On March 21, Sulli’s brother posted on social media: “If you can’t bring happiness, you shouldn’t bring unhappiness either. It’s not like there aren’t other places to hold a concert. Anyway, good luck, BTS.”
His post appeared to reference the heavy congestion and disruption in the Gwanghwamun area caused by BTS’s comeback event, BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG, which drew tens of thousands of attendees.
However, the reaction was swift and intense. His social media was soon flooded with comments from BTS fans, many expressing criticism and disappointment. Messages included:
“Jealousy,”
“BTS is your country’s pride,”
“You don’t need permission to dance,”
and “If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything.”
The incident quickly escalated into an online debate, with fans defending BTS while others discussed the broader issue of large public events impacting local communities.
BTS’s Gwanghwamun concert marked the group’s first full-member comeback performance in nearly four years, following their military hiatus.
According to HYBE and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, approximately 104,000 people attended the event, while police estimates placed the number closer to 42,000. Initial projections had suggested a turnout of up to 260,000 people.
With only 22,000 official seats available, many fans gathered in surrounding areas to watch the performance, contributing to the large crowds and temporary disruptions in the city center.
While BTS later expressed gratitude and issued an apology for the inconvenience caused to citizens, the controversy surrounding Sulli’s brother highlights the ongoing tension between large-scale cultural events and urban public life.
Sources: Daum | 스타뉴스