Ahead of a highly anticipated performance by BTS at Gwanghwamun Square, civil rights groups have strongly criticized the government for its attempts to limit or cancel scheduled protests in downtown Seoul, asserting that these actions violate the citizens' rights to assemble and protest. The police reportedly issued multiple notices to civic groups, including caretakers, demanding restrictions on their gatherings coinciding with the BTS concert, fueling concerns over governmental overreach.

The human rights network 'Baram' released a statement condemning the collaboration between governmental agencies, including the Cultural Heritage Administration and the police, to restrict civic rights in favor of a commercial event. They argued that the restrictive measures imposed by the police are unconstitutional, emphasizing that the right to assemble should not be contingent upon government approval. The group's critique also highlighted the inconsistency of permitting commercial events while curtailing political and social protests, deeming such double standards anti-democratic.

Furthermore, Baram pointed out the broader implications of the Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s amendments to local laws, which they claim effectively silence political dissent in Gwanghwamun Square. They stressed the importance of maintaining public spaces for all, urging the authorities to stop using the BTS concert as a pretext for canceling legitimate protests. With predictions of up to 260,000 attendees for the performance, the situation raises significant concerns about the balance between public order and citizens' rights to free assembly.