HYBE Releases Official Statement on BTS’s Gwanghwamun Concert Controversy
BTS and HYBE face backlash after comeback performance at Gwanghwamun
BTS held their highly anticipated comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square on April 21, debuting their new title track “SWIM” from their full group album released on April 20. This marked their first group comeback after nearly four years and completing their military service hiatus.
The performance took place at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun area, a symbolic site in South Korea. However, the event drew criticism due to heavy security, traffic restrictions, and inconvenience caused to local residents, workers, and visitors.
Soon after, HYBE issued an official statement on April 22 addressing the situation:
“We sincerely thank everyone for the warm support and consideration you showed during BTS’s performance at Gwanghwamun yesterday.”
They expressed gratitude to authorities for allowing the use of such a culturally significant venue:
“First of all, we deeply thank the authorities for providing Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun—symbols of the Republic of Korea—as the venue for the performance. We know well that Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun are spaces where Korea’s history, identity, and contemporary culture live and breathe together. We are very honored to have been able to present a performance to the world from this location.”
HYBE also thanked police, firefighters, and government officials for ensuring safety but apologized to those affected by the event’s disruptions:
“We are deeply grateful to the police, firefighters, as well as government and local officials who worked to ensure the event’s safe conclusion. We also want to apologize and extend our thanks to the citizens of the Gwanghwamun area, nearby shopkeepers, office workers, and visitors.”
“Because this was a performance attracting global attention, safety measures such as traffic and building controls and security checks for dangerous items were unavoidable. We sincerely apologize to everyone who experienced inconvenience, including those passing through Gwanghwamun Square and those whose precious schedules and daily lives were affected. Thanks to your broad understanding and consideration, we were able to create a meaningful event.”
HYBE highlighted the importance of Korean society’s support in K-pop’s global success and praised the public’s mature response:
“K-pop’s growth into a cultural phenomenon resonating worldwide today is thanks not only to artists and fans but also to the cultural foundations built by Korean society and the mature support of its citizens. We fully understand that this performance was possible on that foundation. The orderly viewing, mature civic consciousness, and mutual consideration made this event shine even brighter. We once again express our gratitude to everyone.”
They pledged to continue promoting Korean culture and heritage through future efforts:
“We will cherish the support and consideration shown for this performance and strive even harder to convey the emotion and value of K-pop and K-culture to the world. In particular, we are grateful that we could showcase our proud cultural heritage globally through the performance, and we will promptly finalize and implement long-term support systems for the protection and promotion of national heritage and cultural assets, in close consultation with relevant agencies.”
Finally, HYBE offered condolences regarding a recent tragedy:
“We offer our condolences to all those affected by the Daejeon fire incident. Our deepest sympathies go to the families of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The statement aims to address public concerns while reaffirming BTS and HYBE’s commitment to Korean culture amid their global comeback spotlight. Fans and locals continue to discuss the impact of the event on the Gwanghwamun area and the balance between large-scale K-pop events and community disruption.