"Not a Regulation by Seoul City… A Self-Determined Judgment by HYBE Considering Safety and Traffic"
The agency of the group BTS, HYBE, has directly addressed the controversy over the '1-hour limit' for the Gwanghwamun Square comeback concert. Dismissing speculation that it was due to administrative regulations from Seoul City, they clarified that it was a self-determined decision by the agency for the safety of the audience.
In an official statement on the 28th, HYBE stated, "There is no fact that Seoul City has limited the performance time," emphasizing that the running time was determined after reviewing various matters by HYBE and Big Hit Music. Previously, fans had expressed concerns online that the shortened performance time might be due to conditions set by Seoul City for approval.
HYBE cited the specific background for the 1-hour performance setting as ▲ the uniqueness of outdoor public spaces ▲ management of large crowds and ensuring safety ▲ convenience of public transportation after the performance ends ▲ prevention of noise damage to nearby residents during late-night hours. They explained that this was the result of a comprehensive judgment to maximize the efficiency of on-site control and minimize citizen inconvenience.
Meanwhile, BTS will announce their glamorous return with the release of their 5th studio album 'Arirang' on March 20 at 1 PM. Following that, they will hold 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st at 8 PM. This historic concert will be live-streamed worldwide through the global OTT platform Netflix.
