"Foreign media 250,000 VS Seoul city 40,000" Controversy over BTS Gwanghwamun concert audience numbers

SOURCE: "외신 25만명 VS 서울시 4만명", BTS 광화문 공연 '관객 수' 논란[MD이슈]

BTS' comeback concert held at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st ended successfully, but conflicting analyses are emerging regarding the number of audiences.

The official seating prepared at the venue that day totaled 22,000, including standing (Section A), reserved seating (Section B), and additional seating (Section C). Fans who couldn't secure seats watched the performance from around the square.

Differences in media estimates and the controversy

On the 22nd, global music outlet Rolling Stone reported, "Last Saturday, over 250,000 fans gathered in Seoul, setting a record for the largest public concert in Korean history." However, criticism arose as this figure as simply quoted from the estimated number previously reported by foreign media like The New York Times without any actual verification.

Meanwhile, according to Seoul's real-time city data, the population around Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace as of 8.30 PM (KST) that day was estimated at around 46,000 to 48,000 (classified as crowded). The organizer, HYBE, estimated about 104,000 people gathered based on data from the three major telecommunication providers and the proportion of foreign visitors.

Reason why the crowd was smaller than expected

Some point to strong measures by authorities as the reason why the crowd fell short of expectations. Due to safety concerns, authorities sent multiple emergency alerts requesting people to refrain from visiting. Furthermore, inconveniences such as excessive bag checks, body searches, and subways skipping stops are believed to also have discouraged people from attending.

Continue reading "Foreign media 250,000 VS Seoul city 40,000" Controversy over BTS Gwanghwamun concert audience numbers

BTS departs for New York ... "We are sorry and grateful to the citizens who endured the inconvenience"

SOURCE: BTS, 뉴욕으로 출국…"불편 감내한 시민께 죄송하고 감사"

BTS' leader, RM, posted a long message on the fan communication platform Weverse on behalf of the group, saying, "We sincerely thank everyone who showed generous consideration and support so that our comeback stage could be completed safely."

He continued, "We bow our heads in gratitude to the police, fire department, government, and local officials who worked hard to make sure the concert remained safe without major incidents despite the huge crowds," and expressed special thanks to the citizens who endured inconvenience for the Gwanghwamun concert.

BTS wrote, "We are truly sorry and grateful to the citizens, as well as the merchants and workers around the Gwanghwamun area, for enduring various inconveniences such as traffic control and noise. We will never take for granted the warm consideration you showed in embracing our concert, and we will remember it deeply for a long time."

After successfully completing their comeback concert, BTS departed for New York via Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 22nd to carry out their overseas schedule.

COMMENTS:

-Give a proper apology before you leave.

-Compensate the damages you've caused.

-If you're really sorry, compensate the damages you've causedㅋ

-Return the citizens' tax money.

-It's f*cking ridiculous how they're just running off overseas right away.

-Don't we need to restrict traffic on Incheon Airport too?ㅠㅠ

-Huk... Shouldn't they deploy 15,000 extra security guards at the airport??

-Did you even get the citizens' consents?? At least compensate the damages you've caused before leaving.

-Don't just talk, apologize with money.

-I bet they'll go on some late-night talk show and show off photos from their Gwanghwamun concert.

-Scammersㅋㅋㅋ

-They're just acting like it's none of their business now??

-You even conducted body searches on the citizens of your own country due to terror threats. How can you trust going overseas then???

-They have no conscience.

-Don't ever come back.

Continue reading BTS departs for New York ... "We are sorry and grateful to the citizens who endured the inconvenience"

Kim Dongwan, who previously sparked controversy for advocating the legalization of prostitution, publicly supports MC Dingdong after assaulting a female BJ

SOURCE: '성매매 합법화 주장' 김동완, 여성 BJ 폭행 MC 딩동 공개 응원

Shinhwa's Kim Donghwan faced backlash after publicly showing support for MC Dingdong, who is currently embroiled in a controversy after assaulting a female BJ.

On the 21st, Kim Dongwan posted on his social media, "Anyone supports Dingdong for no reason?", along with a link to MC Dingdong's account.

Previously, on the 7th, MC Dingdong caused a stir during a livestream by grabbing a female BJ by her hair, committing a physical assault.

At the time, when the female BJ identified as A mentioned his past drunk driving incident, MC Dingdong became enraged and suddenly grabbed her hair, an act that was broadcast live.

MC Dingdong briefly left the scene before returning to the studio to apologize. He said, "I had barely had any work for about a year and a half. I was just starting to try again. When my past was suddenly brought up, my emotions flared up. I have trauma regarding comments about that incident from two years ago."

As the controversy grew, MC Dingdong released a statement on the 11th, saying, "Some of the content spreading online is not true or based on exaggerated interpretations based on selective scenes," and announced legal action, "I will be proceeding with both civil and criminal lawsuits through my legal representative."

However, public opinion remained cold. In 2022, MC Dingdong was caught driving under the influence and was brought to trial for fleeing after refusing police orders to stop. He eventually received a suspended prison sentence.

Amid this situation, fans reacted coldly to Kim Dongwan's supportive post. Notably, he already faced harsh criticism a month ago for advocating the legalization of prostitution.

When accused for allegedly supporting prostitution legalization, Kim Dongwan explained, "What I'm concerned about is minors entering the system, lack of disease control, and exploitation within illegal structures," but the controversy did not easily subside.

In 2021, Kim Dongwan also faced backlash after posting content on social media regarding Lee Soo of MC the Max, who had previously been involved in a scandal related to prostitution.

Continue reading Kim Dongwan, who previously sparked controversy for advocating the legalization of prostitution, publicly supports MC Dingdong after assaulting a female BJ