The March 21, 2026, BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square drew attention on Japanese social media for its use of public space and government resources.
BTS held its comeback concert titled "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. Netflix streamed the event live to more than 190 countries, with 18.4 million subscribers watching.
An analysis of 1,527 X posts in nine languages found that 355 Japanese-language posts focused on the use of public resources and road restrictions for the private event. Users questioned early dismissals from nearby offices and taxpayer costs.
The Hankook Ilbo commissioned the study from Ars Praxia. Professor Lee Chang-min of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies noted that holding a commercial concert at equivalent Japanese sites like Kasumigaseki would be almost impossible.
