BTS comeback lighting plan sparks debate as fans question ‘political’ undertones in Seoul

BTS comeback lighting plan sparks debate as fans question ‘political’ undertones in Seoul

• Seoul landmarks to glow red for BTS concert on March 20-21
• Fans upset as red chosen over BTS's signature purple color
• Online debate grows over possible political symbolism of red

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As BTS gears up for its highly anticipated comeback concert in Seoul, a city-wide lighting initiative meant to celebrate the moment has instead triggered a wave of online debate. Some netizens are questioning whether politics may be at play behind this.

According to city officials, 15 major landmarks across Seoul—including Sevitseom, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Botanic Park, N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower, will be illuminated in red on March 20 and 21. The initiative is designed to transform the city into what officials described as “a giant concert stage” in celebration of the group’s return.

However, the announcement has not been universally well received. BTS has long been associated with the colour purple, a symbol deeply connected to the group’s message of love, trust, and unity with fans. The decision to light up the city in red instead of purple left many fans confused and disappointed.

As reported by Koreaboo, addressing the backlash, a Seoul city official clarified the reasoning behind the colour choice, stating, “The color of the new album ‘Arirang’ is red, so at the request of the organiser (HYBE), red lighting was used.”

Despite the explanation, reactions online remain divided. While some fans acknowledge the branding tied to the group’s upcoming album Arirang, others argue that purple would have been a more meaningful and representative choice of BTS’s identity.

The controversy has since taken a more political turn. Some Korean netizens have speculated that the use of red, a colour commonly associated with the political party of Seoul mayor Oh Se Hoon, could carry unintended or deliberate symbolism.

Comments circulating online reflect the growing debate. One user wrote, "This just looks like People Power Party election campaigning with the Japanese flag up. Isn’t it completely the opposite direction of Arirang?" Another laughed, "LOL wow, they’re really doing everything ahead of Oh Se Hoon’s local election."

One netizen remarked, "They’re seriously showing major communist party vibes." "Is this the People Power Party?" noted another.

Also read: BTS’ Jungkook’s ARIRANG video appearance sparks debate; fans link it to viral 'drunk' livestream

While there is no official indication linking the lighting project to political motives, the overlap of timing, colour symbolism, and the scale of the initiative has fueled speculation.