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“You don’t deserve BTS” – Fans slam K-netz for labelling group’s Gwanghwamun concert a “nuisance” as city’s emergency meeting sparks backlash


A recent safety meeting led by Mayor of Seoul Oh Se-hoon regarding BTS’s upcoming comeback event at Gwanghwamun Square sparked debate among Korean netizens and fans online. On March 9, the Seoul mayor held a safety inspection meeting to review preparations for the large-scale event scheduled for March 21.

Authorities expect a crowd of approximately 170,000 people. During the meeting, Oh emphasized that even facilities that were often overlooked could pose safety risks in such a large gathering.

He stated that structures like subway ventilation openings, construction barriers and other areas where people might climb or gather must be carefully rechecked on-site. According to him, any potential hazards should be reinforced or adjusted in advance.

The mayor also stressed that safety planning should extend beyond the immediate stage area. He noted that the entire downtown district should be treated as a single venue, with transportation and crowd management operating together as an integrated system. Oh further highlighted the need to provide guidance for international fans expected to travel to Seoul for the event.

However, the meeting and the scale of the planned comeback event drew mixed reactions online. Some Korean netizens questioned whether a K-pop comeback event should involve city-level planning and government coordination. Others raised concerns about possible disruptions to public transportation and daily commuting in central Seoul.

Several commenters argued that closing or restricting access to busy public areas could inconvenience residents and workers who rely on those routes. They also questioned whether public resources should be used for a music-related event.

At the same time, many fans of BTS pushed back against the criticism. Supporters pointed to the group’s global influence and the economic impact their activities had on South Korea’s tourism and cultural exports.

Fans also noted that the comeback event already attracted significant international attention, with many people planning to travel to Seoul to attend. Amid the online debate, one fan wrote,

“But when SK receive the huge donations that BTS and ARMY offer… or when BTS show to the world where’s and who’s SK…. everything is ok, right? No other group do this for SK, but the envy talks more higher! If it was a group from big3, to get this attention, i bet everything that it was ok. But it’s the always the “outsiders”…. so the main thinking is:: lets destroy! Shamefull! You don’t deserve BTS!”

But when SK receive the huge donations that BTS and ARMY offer… or when BTS show to the world where’s and who’s SK…. everything is ok, right? No other group do this for SK, but the envy talks more higher! If it was a group from big3, to get this attention, i bet everything

The discussion continued across social media platforms, with fans pointing out the event as a “historic” comeback for the globally recognized group.

Koreans can’t have it both ways – use BTS when they need and want them to promote whatever local bs they need to promote to the world, but then go and complain when the guys do it.

bohoo keep crying you ungrateful. they bring in millions of cash in tourism pulling a bigger crowd than coachella and keep raising the country’s status but those mfs always complain..

THEIR COMEBACK IS HISTORY KOREANS SHOULD FEEL HAPPY THAT WHOLE DAMN WORLD IS LOOKONG AT THEM FOR & BECAUSE OF BTS

A. this isn’t your random kpop act, it’s the biggest band in the world B. the comeback is historic, has caused visitors across the globe to travel to South Korea C. you guys would have boasted so hard if it was anyone apart from BTS having such a monumental comeback

Some fans, however, also pointed out that the event venue, Gwanghwamun Square, was a public space rather than a residential area. They noted that the plaza frequently hosts large-scale festivals, cultural programs and public events and argued that it was unlikely to disrupt daily life.

The only ones with long faces must be the whiny haters because their fans will never be able to achieve what BTS has achieved and will continue to achieve. How it burns them up!

It’s literally like any other public event in SK that is expected to have a massive foot traffic, like the fireworks festival or a planned protest. The city understands that ppl will be inconvenienced, which is why they’re informed in adv+rerouted. Stop being mad abt everything.

gwanghwamun basically has a demonstration or marathon going on every single weekend at this point.. its gwanghwamun barely any residential..its company buildings, stores, palace. the koreans in qrts are fans of other grps on a h8 campaign. i promise u one saturday evening is fine

BTS to host BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang showcase in Seoul following album release

BTS is set to hold the special showcase titled BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang on March 21 in Seoul. The event will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, a public plaza located near the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

According to event details, the program will run for approximately 60 minutes and entry for the event will be open to attendees aged 14 and above. While admission is free, fans must reserve their seats in advance, as all spots require prior booking.

For viewers who can’t attend the show, the showcase will also be streamed worldwide through Netflix beginning at 8 PM KST. This live showcase will be to follow the group’s upcoming album ARIRANG‘s release.

The much waited album is scheduled for global release on March 20, 2026, at 1 PM KST. The project will celebrate the group’s first full-length studio album since their 2022 anthology release Proof.

On March 3, the group revealed the complete tracklist for the album along with its songwriting and production credits. According to the group’s agency, the album features a mix of energetic performance tracks and songs that reflect more personal themes.

The album’s credits list several international producers and musicians. Among them are Ryan Tedder, Diplo, Flume, Kevin Parker, JPEGMAFIA and Mike WiLL Made-It. Longtime collaborator Pdogg is also credited, along with several BTS members including RM, Suga, j-hope, Jungkook, V, and Jimin. Credits for the track No. 29 have not yet been disclosed.

In addition to the streaming of the showcase, Netflix is also set to release a documentary titled BTS The Return on March 27. The film will follow the members as they reunite in Los Angeles after completing their mandatory military service.