Government and HYBE Express Gratitude for Safe BTS Gwanghwamun Concert, Thank Citizens’ Civic Awareness [BTS is back]

BTS Agency Says "We Apologize for Inconveniencing Citizens...
Will Finalize Support Measures for National Heritage Protection"

BTS. Provided by Big Hit Music/Netflix

The BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square concluded without any safety incidents, prompting both the government and the group's agency to express their gratitude simultaneously.

On March 22, Choi Huieyoung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated on social media, "BTS's 'Arirang' concert at Gwanghwamun ended safely without a single safety incident," adding, "This was thanks to the mature civic awareness of our people and the cooperation of ARMY, the global fandom that came from all over the world."

Minister Choi went on to say, "I thank the citizens who endured inconveniences for this concert, which resonated in over 190 countries, as well as the officials who worked for safety. The government will do its utmost to ensure that K-culture can reach even further across the world, taking this concert as a new starting point."

HYBE, the agency, also issued a statement on the same day, bowing in gratitude to the authorities who provided the concert venue, police and fire officials, and citizens. HYBE said, "Because this was a concert that drew worldwide attention, unavoidable measures such as traffic and building controls were necessary. We sincerely apologize to those who experienced inconvenience in their daily lives."

Choi Hueyong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo by Yonhap News

In particular, HYBE announced plans to take the lead in protecting cultural heritage following this concert. HYBE stated, "It was an honor to be able to introduce our proud cultural heritage to the world," and added, "We will quickly finalize and implement a long-term support system for protecting and promoting national heritage and cultural assets, in close cooperation with relevant organizations."

HYBE also expressed its condolences, stating, "We offer our sympathy to those affected by the fire accident in Daejeon and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families."

BTS made a full-group comeback after three years and nine months with the release of their fifth studio album, 'Arirang,' on March 20. According to HYBE, approximately 104,000 people gathered at the comeback concert held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, at 8 p.m. on March 21, with about 22,000 people entering the concert venue.

BTS departed for the United States on this day. On March 23 (local time), they will perform at the special event 'Spotify x BTS: Swimside' in New York City, and on March 25 and 26, they will appear on the popular American program 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' From April 9 to 12, they will hold a solo concert, 'BTS World Tour Arirang in Goyang,' at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province, officially kicking off their new world tour.

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