BTS Accused Of Profiting From South Korean President’s “Favoritism”
BTS‘s Gwanghwamun concert has been subject to intense scrutiny, and the criticism has only grown more intense since President Lee Jae Myung publicly spoke out about the event.

President Lee recently called BTS’s concert a chance to showcase K-Pop, K-Culture, and South Korea’s global prestige. He also stressed that “safety is the real issue,” causing many to argue that the boy group is receiving special treatment.

The BTS Gwanghwamun concert, which the world is watching, is just a few days away. I see this as an important opportunity to showcase the excellence of K-Pop and K-Culture and the high status of South Korea on the global stage.
The real issue is safety.
All relevant ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the police, and the fire department, must remain highly vigilant and prepare thoroughly for all possible scenarios.
The safety of nearby accommodations in Myeongdong should be carefully reviewed.
— President Lee Jae Myung
While the president framed this as a matter of public safety and national pride, many netizens see it differently.

- “Wow, the president really likes BTS and HYBE lol.”
- “So the culprit was here, not the Mayor of Seoul lol… what a disappointment. They say market manipulation ruins you, but…”
- “The government is really favorable toward HYBE.”
- “How is that even an event that ‘brightens Korea’…”
- “Market manipulation ruins you, but I guess HYBE is an exception.”