Feb 19 • 06:18 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

BTS Gwanghwamun comeback performance needs to shine more…

BTS is set to return with a performance in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, after a hiatus of nearly four years, generating immense excitement and potential challenges for the community.

BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is making a much-anticipated comeback after a hiatus due to military service that lasted three years and nine months. Their reunion concert is scheduled for next month in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, and has already sparked a wave of excitement, especially with Netflix planning to broadcast the event globally. This performance is expected to transcend the typical concert experience, turning it into a 'global event' as viewers from around the world tune in to watch the show unfold in the heart of Seoul.

However, alongside the excitement comes a set of challenges. Estimates suggest that the Gwanghwamun area will see an influx of hundreds of thousands of attendees, leading to soaring accommodation prices and disruption of pre-scheduled local events like weddings and traditional celebrations. This situation raises concerns about the collision between a festival atmosphere and the daily lives of local citizens, illustrating how large-scale events can unintentionally lead to negative impacts on the community.

The government's involvement adds another layer of complexity, as permits for using national heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace for the concert have been granted, and the Seoul city government has labeled the event as an 'officially supported' occasion. Such deep support from state institutions for a K-pop group's comeback is unprecedented and may invite perceptions of favoritism. With speculation around political figures' attendance at the event, there is concern about the concert’s potential to become a backdrop for government and political promotional activities, which could detract from the artists themselves and frustrate their global fanbase. To prevent unnecessary controversies, it is essential that the focus remains on the artists and the fans, ensuring that the event celebrates BTS without distractions from political narratives or incidents involving their management team.

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