Koreans Express Frustration Over Frequent BTS Emergency Alert Text Messages
BTS is facing backlash over Seoul’s new English emergency text alerts ahead of their Gwanghwamun Square concert.
The controversy began when the Seoul Metropolitan Government sent emergency road closure alerts in both Korean and English on March 20, 2026 (KST). This is the first time Seoul has issued bilingual alerts, aiming to help the large number of foreign visitors expected at the BTS event.
The alert read:
Sejongdaero will be closed from 9 PM on Mar 20 to 6 AM on Mar 22; Sajik-ro from 4 PM to 11 PM on Mar 21; Saemunan-ro from 7 PM to 11 PM on Mar 21.
— Seoul City
The city said these bilingual alerts would continue throughout the concert day, including crowd dispersal instructions after the event.
Soon after, Seoul residents flooded online forums with complaints about the constant notifications. Many called the alerts “over-the-top nonsense” and “a disaster,” saying they were sent too early and too frequently.
“This is the most over-the-top nonsense I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
“Even during earthquakes we don’t get alerts like this, this is f***ing ridiculous.”
“Sending it again in English too? That is seriously the last straw.”
“When it came in English I thought my phone settings got changed LOL.”
“It is truly a state of emergency. Suddenly no deliveries, buses stopped, subways skipping stops, can’t even go to weddings?”
“I literally said ‘F*ck off’ out loud.”
Fans quickly reacted on platforms like theqoo, with many agreeing the situation was blown out of proportion.
The concert, titled “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” is scheduled for March 21 and will be livestreamed to 190 countries. Authorities expect around 260,000 attendees.
Read more about the BTS concert here:
The Total Cost HYBE Paid To Seoul City For BTS’s “ARIRANG” Comeback Revealed