HYBE: "Seoul's Red Lights Reflect BTS Album Concept... Caution Against Political Interpretation"

In Response to ARMY Backlash

"Key Color of 'Arirang'"

Sebitseom in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul is illuminated in red lighting ahead of the comeback performance of BTS. Photo by Seoul City

HYBE announced that illuminating Seoul landmarks with red lights for the upcoming BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun on March 21 reflects the concept of the new album.

On March 18, HYBE explained, "The red color at the Gwanghwamun Square concert incorporates the key color of the new album 'Arirang.' Seoul City is also using red at HYBE's request." The company further urged, "Please refrain from interpreting this popular culture event through an overly political lens."

In celebration of the concert, Seoul City is collaborating with HYBE to prepare a variety of welcoming programs. On March 20, the album release date, and March 21, the concert day, from 7:30 p.m. for two hours, red lights will be simultaneously illuminated at 15 major landmarks across Seoul, including Namsan Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, and Saebitseom. A Seoul City official stated, "It will look as if the entire city has become a massive concert stage."

However, some fans have expressed opposition to using red instead of purple, which is BTS's symbolic color. Through social networking services (SNS), they argued, "Regardless of the album concept, the artist's symbolic color is purple," and claimed, "Seoul City is attempting to use the artist for political purposes." In relation to this, some foreign media outlets reported, "Netizens are protesting, suspecting the Seoul mayor of political exploitation."

Various events are taking place throughout Seoul. At Banpo Hangang Park, visitors can enjoy a spectacle combining LED lights, music, and fountains. From April 6 to 19, the 'Arirang Light Walk,' utilizing BTS symbols, will be held around Cheonggyecheon. In addition, a 'K-pop Walking Tour Course' will be set up, connecting BTS music video filming locations and the agency headquarters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.