Critics are worried about the implications.
2 hours ago
K-Pop powerhouse BTS will be making its first comeback as a full group in over three years this March. To mark this grand occasion, their label BIGHIT MUSIC has pulled out all the stops, including a large-scale public event in Seoul.
BTS
On March 21, a day after the release of their new album ARIRANG, BTS will hold a massive free concert at the historic Gwanghwamun Square and the adjacent Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace | Wikimedia Commons
According to reports, the organizers of this concert have applied to the government to use the space extending from Geunjeongmun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate, and Gwanghwamun Gate within Gyeongbokgung Palace all the way to the Moon Terrace (Woldae). This has sparked anticipation that the group will enter through these three gates and approach the stage, walking down what’s often referred to as the “King’s Path.”
The three palace gates leading to the “Woldae.”
The Woldae is a raised stone terrace where the king met his subjects during the Joseon Dynasty. After the Japanese colonial government destroyed it in 1923, a restoration project spanning from 2006 to 2023 has finally built it back to its original form.
Given that BTS’s upcoming album is anticipated to celebrate Korean heritage and culture, the concert venue holds deep significance. However, the speculated “royal” march through the three gates of the palace has sparked heated debate in Korea. Many critics have argued that if BTS follows a theme of “royal return” while walking down the “King’s path,” it could be perceived as a regressive move.
Gwanghwamun Square is not just significant for its Joseon-era history. It was also a central stage of the April 19 Revolution and the June Democracy Movement. The site has become emblematic of Korean citizens’ fight to protect democracy, even during the latest attempted military coup. Hence, critics feel that BTS invoking a royal procession in that same space might be unsettling for many domestic fans.
Pro-democracy protests at Gwanghwamun in December 2024
The response on social media, however, has been massively divided. Those who opposed the idea did so very strongly, while others felt that the “King’s Path” march was fitting for both the concept and the stature of BTS.
아니 방탄이 언제 왕 됨 ….?
걍 인기아이돌 중 하나일 뿐인데 심지어 멀쩡한 회사도 아니고 1조원대 주식사기범죄 수사 받는 방시혁 회사에 왜 이런 특혜??를 주는 거임..?
다 제정신 아녀보이네;;
접어라 https://t.co/2RAoq1ja1N
— 남남3 (@hotcoffeeice2) February 6, 2026
Since when did BTS become royalty…?
They’re just one of many popular idol groups, and their company isn’t even a reputable one. It’s Bang Si Hyuk’s company, which is under investigation for a stock fraud crime worth trillions of won. Why are they being given such preferential treatment…?
Everyone seems to have lost their minds.
Pack it up.
— The tweet above
이재명 정권은 문화를 대기업과 손잡으면 그만인 일로 알고 있나.. https://t.co/w3eTpvnF6A
— Nobody 두번째 (@Nobody1596891) February 5, 2026
Does the Lee Jae Myung administration think that culture is something that can be easily managed by simply partnering with large corporations?
— The tweet above
이건 기획자도 정신 나간 것 같고 옳다구나 하고 하겠다고 한 사람도 정신 나간 것 같음…기껏 민주국가 만들었는데 왕의 길이라고 왕을 다시 가져오시면 가만히 있던 일반인들 단숨에 평민으로 돌아가서 머리 박고 황송해 해야할까요 https://t.co/LQIeqEtsik
— 여중 (@hahae0320) February 6, 2026
It seems like both the organizer and the people who agreed to this are completely insane… We finally created a democratic nation, but if they bring back the monarchy and call it the “king’s path,” will ordinary citizens suddenly be reduced to commoners again, forced to bow their heads and show excessive deference?
— The tweet above
| theqoo
- “King-tan is coming. LOL.”
- “I’m so looking forward to this.”
- “So when will they make the announcement?”
- “Whether I have a ticket or not, I’ll be in Gwanghwamun on the 21st. I can’t miss this festive atmosphere!!!”
- “I’m looking forward to it.”
Source: Nate News and Theqoo
BTS