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’ comeback event, BTS RETURN LIVE | ARIRANGwhich attracted tens of thousands of participants.
However, the reaction was swift and intense. His social media was soon flooded with comments from BTS fans, many of whom expressed criticism and disappointment. Messages included:
“Jealousy,”
“BTS is the pride of your country,”
“You Don’t Need Permission to Dance”
AND “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything.”
The incident quickly turned into an online debate, with fans defending BTS while others discussed the larger issue of large public events impacting local communities.
BTS’s Gwanghwamun concert marked the group’s first full-fledged comeback in nearly four years, following the military hiatus.
According to HYBE and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, around 104,000 people attended the event, while police estimates put 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 the surrounding areas to watch the show, contributing to the large crowds and temporary disruption in the city centre.
While BTS later expressed gratitude and apologized 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 | stellar news
