The city of Busan and Hive for the BTS concert in the hopes of hosting the 2030 Busan World Expo (Busan Expo), which was engulfed in a safety insensitivity controversy, were caught up in criticism over whether they were delaying their responsibilities by saying different things.
In the MBC 'News Desk' broadcast on the 31st, the city of Busan claimed that 'The Hive, the management company of BTS, requested the number of 100,000 people first in order to maximize the scale of the concert and to convey the purpose of attracting the Expo'.
The city of Busan also announced that after selecting 5 or 6 potential venues for performances, it was decided to hold a concert at the site of an abandoned factory in Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, after 9 visits and 12 meetings with Hive.
The special stage in Ilgwang-eup, where the Busan Expo bid concert will be held from 6 pm on October 15th, has only one entrance and exit, so safety accidents are seriously concerned if more than 100,000 people move.
In addition, as the surrounding infrastructure such as accommodation and convenience facilities is insufficient, the inconvenience of the citizens is becoming a reality as the nearby lodging companies have recently conducted extortionate rates that amount to several million won per night.
In Busan, there are places such as Sajik Stadium and Asiad Stadium that have already held performances with more than 50,000 audiences.
The city of Busan is shifting responsibility to Hive, saying that there was no special option other than the special stage in Ilgwang to accommodate the 100,000 spectators requested by Hive.
BTS fans are also pointing out that it is also inappropriate for the city of Busan to mention members' alternative service without consulting Hive.
In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show', Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 19th of last month, "If BTS, the ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo, invites influential decision-makers from each country or their families to a concert, it can be of great help to the national interest. ," he emphasized.
In the process, Busan Mayor Park Hyung-jun mentioned the need for BTS' 34-month alternative service several times.
It is said that if the members enlist in the military, it is difficult to properly play their role as an ambassador for the Busan World Expo 2030.
However, Mayor Park responded, "Realistically, we did not directly ask BTS for their opinions."
In this regard, fans are pointing out that it is inappropriate for the city of Busan to suggest alternative service for BTS and publicly mention it because it undermines the authenticity of the role of the ambassador for the Busan World Expo 2030.
(SBS Entertainment News reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)