By Shim Sun-ah
Seoul landmarks, including N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, Sebitseom islands, and Cheonggye Stream, were illuminated in red on Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate the return of global sensation BTS.
The red illuminations sparked online debate, with some fans speculating a political motive ahead of the June local elections, given the color’s association with the People Power Party. Mayor Oh Se-hoon is a member of the People Power Party.
Hybe, BTS’s agency, clarified the choice of color. “The red color theme was chosen to reflect the key visual identity of BTS’ upcoming album ‘Arirang,'” Hybe stated Wednesday. “The Seoul city government is using the color at our request.”
The agency urged the public to avoid over-interpreting the event through a political lens.
The statement followed online criticism from BTS’ global fandom, ARMY, regarding the red color choice.
Some fans voiced their preference for purple, BTS’s long-standing symbolic color, using hashtags like #BTSisPurple on social media.
Fans pointed out that major landmarks in cities hosting BTS performances, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building, are typically illuminated in purple to honor the group.
“Arirang,” BTS’s fifth studio album, was released at 1 p.m. Friday, marking their first project with all members in nearly four years.
