Hybe Apologizes for Excessive Security Controversy

BTS Agency HYBE Apologizes for Gwanghwamun Concert Disruptions

HYBE, BTS's agency, has apologized to citizens who experienced inconvenience due to the comeback concert held at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st. HYBE stated on its official website, "We are well aware that Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun are spaces where Korea's history, identity, and contemporary culture breathe together," and expressed gratitude to those who worked to ensure the concert concluded safely.

HYBE also simultaneously apologized and expressed gratitude to citizens, merchants, office workers, and visitors who faced difficulties due to the traffic control around Gwanghwamun. They explained, "Because it was imperative to successfully and safely stage a performance that the entire world was watching, unavoidable measures such as traffic and building control, and searches for dangerous items were implemented," and conveyed their sincere regret for the inconvenience this may have caused.

BTS leader RM also delivered messages of gratitude and apology through the fan communication platform Weverse to those who worked for a safe performance and to the citizens, merchants, and office workers who endured the inconvenience.

Approximately 104,000 people, according to the organizers' estimates, gathered for the concert that day, and 15,500 safety personnel were deployed based on crowd predictions from various agencies. However, during this process, citizens raised complaints regarding excessive security checks on attendees and excessive traffic and building control.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Eui-young stated, "BTS's 'Arirang' Gwanghwamun concert concluded safely without a single accident," and expressed gratitude for the mature civic consciousness of the nation and the cooperation of fans worldwide.