[Full Text] BTS Cancels April Jukyung Stadium Concert... To Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Group BTS/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] The domestic concert of the idol group BTS in April has been canceled.

On the 28th, BTS's agency Big Hit Entertainment posted a notice titled 'BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR - SEOUL Concert Cancellation Notice' on BTS's fan community Weverse.

Big Hit stated, "The 'BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR - SEOUL' concerts scheduled to be held on April 11, 12, 18, and 19 at the Jamsil Sports Complex Main Stadium have been canceled," adding, "Due to the global spread of COVID-19, the infectious disease situation at the time of the April concerts is unpredictable, and uncertainties regarding the movement of performance personnel and equipment between countries are increasing."

They continued, "Although we hope the situation will improve, considering the health and safety of 200,000 spectators and artists, and the potential greater damage to overseas spectators, related companies, and staff if the concerts were to be canceled close to the event date, we have inevitably decided to cancel the concerts now, about a month in advance."

They further explained, "We ask for your understanding that this decision was made after deep consideration, in active cooperation with the government's guidelines to refrain from mass gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the local governments' measures related to cultural and sports facilities."

The following is the official statement from BTS's agency

Hello.

This is Big Hit Entertainment.

We inform you that the ‘BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR - SEOUL’ concerts scheduled for April 11 (Sat), 12 (Sun), 18 (Sat), and 19 (Sun) at the Jamsil Sports Complex Main Stadium have been canceled.

The ‘BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR - SEOUL’ concerts were prepared by various global production companies and professional staff from around the world, with an expected audience of 200,000 people.

However, due to the global spread of COVID-19, the infectious disease situation at the time of the April concerts is unpredictable, and uncertainties regarding the movement of performance personnel and equipment between countries are increasing.

Although we hope the situation will improve, considering the health and safety of 200,000 spectators and artists, and the potential greater damage to overseas spectators, related companies, and staff if the concerts were to be canceled close to the event date, we have inevitably decided to cancel the concerts now, about a month in advance.

We ask for your understanding that this decision was made after deep consideration, in active cooperation with the government's guidelines to refrain from mass gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the local governments' measures related to cultural and sports facilities.

Tickets already purchased will be fully refunded sequentially through the official ticketing site Interpark Ticket. Please check the ‘Refund Procedure Notice’ below, and for more details, visit the Interpark Ticket website (ticket detail page) or contact the Interpark Ticket Customer Center (1544-1555).

We sincerely apologize to the fans who were looking forward to BTS's MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR - SEOUL and kindly ask for your understanding regarding this cancellation.

Thank you.