Fans of BTS are opposing the plan to invite the K-pop idol group to perform at the inauguration of new South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol.
This after Yoon’s transition committee member Park Joo-sun said they were discussing the possibility of BTS performing at Yoon’s inauguration that will be held on May 10.
Park Joo-sun, who is in-charge of the presidential inauguration, told KBS Radio show on April 5 that BTS’ performance at the event is under discussion.
The transition committee was created for a smooth transition of government from incumbent President Moon Jae-in to Yoon.
Korean fans took to the transition committee website to oppose the plan to have BTS perform at the inauguration of Yoon, saying the idol group should not be used for any political purposes.
“Please do not use BTS for politics,” one posted.
“Don't touch BTS. BTS is not a publicity tool for individuals and political parties!! BTS is not a tool for entertainment and entertainment of individuals and parties!!” another wrote.
“I am against BTS’ performance at the inauguration ceremony. I am against using it for political purposes,” according to a netizen.
Last April 2, Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the transition committee, visited HYBE headquarters.
A petition has been filed on the website of the Office of the President opposing the performance of BTS at the presidential inauguration, stating that “any attempt to use for political purposes is unacceptable.” The petition has garnered more than 6,600 signatures as of writing.
Following the backlash, the transition committee issued a statement, saying, "We have made no proposal or contact with BTS' agency in relation to the inaugural ceremony," Yonhap News reported.
It said that Park Joo-sun’s comments on the KBS radio program "are not the official position of the transition committee."
However, the public relations team of the transition committee told Yonhap News that the inauguration committee did "review presenting a BTS invitation show during discussions" although it was not confirmed.
Big Hit Music told Korean media that it only found out about the plan about the BTS performance through the media and it has not received any official invitation to date.