Ahead of the comeback performance for BTS' fifth studio album, "Arirang (ARIRANG)," various conspiracy theories are spreading online. Police have said they will respond sternly to false threats and fake news, but baseless claims continue.
On the 19th, posts characterizing the performance as "a satan-worship ritual disguised as a festival" and "a group event offering souls to the devil" spread mainly on social media (SNS) and online communities.
Related posts on X surpassed 1.2 million views as of this morning. Similar posts on Threads were shared more than 1,000 times.
Speculation about the performance's staging is also continuing. Guesses poured in over the decision to stage the venue in shades of red instead of BTS' signature purple. Some called it "the devil's symbolic color," while others said it is meaningful politically ahead of the 9th nationwide local elections in June.
HYBE chose red and black for the stage because they are the album's key colors. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also decided to light up 15 landmarks across the city, including ▲Sebitseom ▲Cheonggyecheon ▲Seoul Botanic Park ▲Namsan N Seoul Tower ▲Lotte World Tower, with red lighting starting on the 20th.
There is also no shortage of voices online criticizing the conspiracy theories. In one community, reactions included, "BTS has safely held concerts overseas with hundreds of thousands of people multiple times; how does the 'human sacrifice theory' make any sense?" and "Crowd control is important, but the religious interpretation is excessive."
Conspiracy theories surrounding large-scale performances are nothing new, but some say legal penalties are possible. Attorney Kim Seong-su of the law office Gwangya said, "In such cases, it is hard to view them as merely expressing subjective opinions," adding, "They can be punished for criminal defamation by stating false facts, and if the purpose of slander is recognized, they can face aggravated punishment for defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection."
Police also set a policy to respond firmly to spreading false information. In particular, on the day of the performance, they will respond strictly to false terror threats with a principle of seeking detention and will also hold perpetrators civilly liable for damages.
Under the public intimidation offense established last year, a person who openly threatens the public with harm to the life or body of an unspecified or large number of people can be punished by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Police will deploy more than 6,500 personnel, including special forces, around Gwanghwamun Square on the day of the BTS concert. To prevent the entry of weapons, metal detectors will be installed at 31 venue entrances. Plainclothes officers will also crack down on scalping.