BTS Concert Faces Criticism From South Korean Authorities Over “KPop Demon Hunters”

BTS is facing controversy over their upcoming full-group comeback concert livestream deal with Netflix.

The group’s March 21 concert at Gwanghwamun will exclusively stream on Netflix. HYBE also announced a documentary on their new album ARIRANG will drop later in February on the same platform.

The controversy began when South Korean National Assembly members slammed HYBE for choosing a foreign streaming giant over Korean platforms.

Lawmakers on the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee questioned Netflix’s exclusive rights. They argued it clashes with government efforts to boost domestic content platforms.

Many cited KPop Demon Hunters as a recent example of Korean cultural content going global while profits and IP flow overseas.

HYBE responded, clarifying they keep all core rights to BTS’s music and performances. Netflix is only the distribution partner. Revenue from the music itself will remain in Korea.

HYBE also highlighted benefits: Netflix covers a big part of production and marketing costs, supports global promotion, and streams to 190 countries. This lowers financial risk and boosts concert quality.

Despite this, many ARMYs are furious. Fans say dragging BTS into politics is unfair.

When it was time to exempt them, SK played with their fingers and let others use their name as a shield for political discussions, when they tried to promote Busan’s World Expo bid – they put everything on BTS shoulders and made them not just perform for free but pay for all the…
— Nicolle⁷ (@EgosShadow7)

the south korean government must think we’ve forgotten what happened with the busan expo. they took pride in being the host but shifted all the costs and responsibilities onto bts and corporate sponsors. they didn’t pay for anything and did not even provide an appropriate stage.
— sen (@sugatradamus)

The Korean government overreach is appalling. BTS & HYPE are conducting business as private entities. Just because they are influential enough to affect the country economy does not give the government a say in where they choose to distribute their content. This is whack.
— skye⁷ (@bangtanism89_)

BTS’s recent arrival at Incheon Airport. | News1

BTS Yet To Come
BTS performing “Yet To Come.” | Bighit Music