HYBE confirms BTS's red motif for 'Arirang' does not refer to PPP

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Published: 18 Mar. 2026, 19:04

KIM MIN-YOUNG
[email protected]

Boy band BTS [BIGHIT MUSIC]

HYBE pushed back against political interpretations of the color red used for BTS’s upcoming performance at Gwanghwamun Square, emphasizing that it is only the color of the album's theme and does not refer to the conservative People Power Party (PPP).

“The red used for the Gwanghwamun Square performance is the key color of the ‘Arirang’ album,” HYBE said on Wednesday. “The Seoul Metropolitan Government is also using red at HYBE’s request.”

The statement came as controversy grew online over the use of red at major Seoul landmarks ahead of BTS’s comeback performance, which will take place at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday and is expected to draw about 260,000 people.

Political sensitivity around colors and public events has intensified in Korea as the June 3 local elections approach. Red is the color of the PPP.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]