BTS Faces Intense Backlash Over Alleged “King’s Path” Comeback Stage

BTS is facing backlash over a recent news report about their upcoming comeback live stage.

The controversy began with a YTN news clip saying the group would walk down the “King’s Path” during their event at Gwanghwamun Square.

The report said:

It is expected that the members staged a scene as they walked along the so-called ‘King’s Path’, starting at the Geunjeongmun Gate inside Gyeonbokgung Palace and continuing through the Heungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun Gate.
— YTN

K-netizens immediately reacted with anger and disbelief.

They criticized both BTS and the media for acting like “kings” and using a historic palace for commercial purposes.

Here are some of the top comments from netizens on the controversy:

“What kind of media play is this? Makes me think…are they kings?”

“Do they think they are actually kings? LOL.”

“This is going overboard…”

“I can’t take this anymore. Who organized this? It’s so cringe.”

“Is this some national event? Know your boundaries!”

“Aside from all the controversy, having celebrities use this space for commercial purposes doesn’t look good at all.”

“The king’s path? Are you serious?”

“This is seriously too much.”

“Just take it out…what do you mean using Gyeongbokgung Palace as a runway?”

The backlash shows many are unhappy with how the historic site is being portrayed for BTS’s comeback.