It all came from the citizens.
Koreaboo
3 hours ago
BTS’s recent comeback concert has sparked heated debate among Korean netizens following reports about the use of public funds.
According to reports, domestic securities firms estimate HYBE’s 2026 operating profit to reach between ₩451 billion KRW (about $300 million USD) and ₩537 billion KRW (about $357 million USD). However, it was also revealed that the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the national government invested approximately ₩27.1 billion KRW (about $18.0 million USD) in public funds to support the concert.
In addition, Prime Minister Kim Min Seok reportedly made a direct visit to HYBE, while permits for the use of major cultural heritage sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, and Sungnyemun Gate, were processed quickly.Following the news, online communities quickly filled with critical reactions.
Some netizens expressed frustration over taxpayer money and resources being used for a private-profit concert.
| theqoo
- ARMY must be so proud.
- Using my tax money and I still have to get body searches, f*ck LOL.
- Are they cazy?
- What’s so greatabout BTS that they’re spending tax money like that LOL. I’m so f*cking annoyed. My tax is really being evaporated like that. BTS and HYBE should pay for it.
- Before this issue is resolved, fans should stay quiet no matter how successful the comeback is. No one hates BTS, and we all think that they are a leading force in K-Pop, but this is a completely different issue.
As discussions continue, the situation has become a broader conversation about the balance between cultural promotion and public spending. While BTS remains widely recognized as leader in K-Pop globally, the controversy highlights growing public sensitivity around the use of government resources for large-scale entertainment events