South Korean President Personally Speaks Out On BTS’s Gwanghwamun Performance, Triggers Backlash

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With BTS’s long-awaited comeback stage just a few days away, the South Korean President expressed his anticipation for the performance through his official social media.

<3월 21일 토요일, 광화문광장에서 대한민국의 자랑스러운 아티스트 BTS의 공연이 열립니다. '아리랑'을 주제로 우리의 아름다운 문화유산과 K-컬처의 매력을 함께 나누는 뜻깊은 시간이 되길 기대합니다.

행사가 안전하게 진행될 수 있도록 관계 부처와 지방정부, 경찰, 소방을 비롯한 유관 기관과…

— 이재명 (@Jaemyung_Lee) March 18, 2026

“On Saturday, March 21, the proud artists of the Republic of Korea, BTS, will perform at Gwanghwamun Square. I look forward to this being a meaningful time to share our beautiful cultural heritage and charm of K-culture under the theme of ‘Arirang’.

We are making full preparations in collaboration with relevant ministries, police, and fire departments, and other related agencies to ensure the event proceeds safely. We will thoroughly prepare for every procedure, from traffic and crowd management to emergency response, before and after the performance.

I trust that our citizens will demonstrate mature civic consciousness by showing consideration for one another and maintaining order. Please cooperate with on-site security personnel and report and ticket scalping that disrupts market order.

I hope this BTS performance once again proves the worth of the great culture created by South Korea and becomes a special moment that will be remembered by people for a long time.”

— Presiden Lee Jae Myung

However, netizens wondered if this event was really something that big that even the President had to step forward and talk about it.

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• “This is going overboard…I don’t think BTS is on this level.”
• “Such a waste of taxes…”
• “When are they going to tear down HYBE?”
• “Wow, even the President…this is too much.”
• “There is nothing to be proud of about Bang Si Hyuk, HYBE, or BTS.”
• “Is this really something that even the President has to step forward and talk about? What’s wrong with this country? Is this some kind of prank?”

Previously, the government announced large-scale safety measures ahead of the comeback stage. However, it received massive backlash as it affected businesses and civilians living their daily lives.

Here’s Everything Seoul City Will Do For BTS’s Comeback Concert — And The Backlash It Invites

Most recently, many accused BTS of receiving special treatment from the President.

BTS Accused Of Profiting From South Korean President’s “Favoritism”

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