“Thought they were invited?” – Fans confused as reports claim Bang Si-hyuk proposed Gwanghwamun Square for BTS comeback stage
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“Thought they were invited?” – Fans confused as reports claim Bang Si-hyuk proposed Gwanghwamun Square for BTS comeback stage

Scoopico
Scoopico


On March 17, K-media Yonhap News reported that HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk first proposed the idea of using Gwanghwamun Square for BTS’ comeback stage. The group is set to perform a free comeback concert on March 21, at 8 pm KST.

The show, titled BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG, celebrates their 5th studio album. It also marks their first full-group performance in over three years following military service. At the same time, the proposal appears to have received approval from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Hence, preparations are moving ahead. However, the reports have also led to confusion among some fans. Many said they thought the group had been invited, rather than the idea coming from within the company.

“I thought they were invited?” an X user commented.

The confusion keeps emerging among fans.

But they said everywhere bts was invited 🙄

But they thought they were invited

Others accuse him of payola after reports claimed HYBE allegedly offered “bribes,” while also questioning Bang’s involvement amid an ongoing IPO fraud investigation.

hybe proposed it by offering bribes, obviously it was an honor for the koreans that hybe would use their money to finance it, why do they let him continue doing business if he’s been under investigation for over six months for fraud?

Person barred from leaving the country, embroiled in Korea’s biggest stock manipulation scandal, still has this much influence and people wonder why HYBE gets away with everything 😭😭😭

It was so obvious. He paid to have this big concert to celebrate their return, effectively shutting down a days worth of business and using taxpayer money to disrupt lives. Like BTS are not more important than the Korean people.

BTS Arirang comeback transforms Seoul into a citywide experience

BTS’ return as a full group at Gwanghwamun Square in three days is their first joint stage in nearly four years. For now, early estimates suggest the event could draw close to 260,000 people. So, central Seoul is expected to see heavy movement as the date approaches. At the same time, the performance is being tied to a wider rollout titled BTS The City: Arirang Seoul. For this, HYBE Music planned a city-wide setup linked to the group’s upcoming album Arirang, which is scheduled for release on March 20.

Hence, several major areas are expected to feature large installations based on the album’s concept. Red lighting is also being arranged, so the visuals stay consistent across locations. Even before the main event, some landmarks appear to be part of the buildup. Namsan Seoul Tower will turn red with the Arirang lettering on the evening before the stage. At the same time, Sungnyemun Gate will display large projection visuals linked to the album. In this way, the setup forms a visual path leading toward Gwanghwamun Square.

Meanwhile, other spaces are also being included. Yeouido Hangang Park will host a themed lounge with large structures inspired by the album design. In addition, a stamp event is planned across sites like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This will run for about a month.

The visual concept is said to center on the Arirang album symbol, which features three red circles. Jungkook is reported to have taken part in the design. At the same time, exhibition elements featuring lyrics and messages are expected to appear in public spaces. These include museum courtyards and transit areas. In addition, collaborations with local businesses in Bukchon and Seochon are being planned.

This format follows the earlier The City model. It has been used in past BTS events to expand activity beyond the main venue. Previous editions in Las Vegas and Busan reportedly drew large crowds.