As March 20 approaches, the eyes of fans around the world are turning to Seoul. BTS’s comeback is not only a major event for the group or the fandom, but a cultural occasion of national significance. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik described it as an opportunity for South кσяєα to reaffirm its status as a global hub for cultural exchange.

President Lee Jae-myung also personally expressed his expectations for BTS’s return, stating: “I hope this will be an occasion to once again prove the great power of culture that South кσяєα has created” and “I look forward to a meaningful time where we can share the beauty of our cultural heritage and the charm of K-culture under the theme of ‘Arirang.’”

Meanwhile, according to industry sources on March 18, red will become the dominant color across Seoul as BTS prepares for their full-group comeback at Gwanghwamun Square. On the evening before the performance, Namsan Seoul Tower will be illuminated in red, along with the album title displayed. Shortly after, Sungnyemun Gate will project visuals related to the album’s release. Through this sequence, the visuals are designed to move across the city, gradually converging toward the main stage.

In addition to these two locations, the city of Seoul is expected to light up 13 other major landmarks in red—such as Some Sevit, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Botanic Park, and Lotte World Tower—for approximately two hours starting at 7:30 PM on March 20 (the day of BTS’s comeback) and March 21 (the day of the performance). Several public spaces are also being renovated in matching tones to reinforce this concept.

However, the plan has sparked backlash from some local fans, as red coincidentally represents the opposition party, while BTS’s long-standing representative color has been purple, not red.

Since V introduced the phrase “Borahae (I Purple You)” at a fan meeting in 2016—meaning "let’s trust and love each other until the end, just like purple, the last color of the rainbow" —purple has become the symbolic color of both the fandom and the group. Accordingly, major cities around the world have often used purple lighting during BTS-related celebrations.

On online forums and social media, the BTS fandom (ARMY) has been continuously posting messages opposing the city’s decision. In particular, fans have been sharing protest posts accompanied by hashtags such as #BangtanIsPurple and #BTSisPurple.

Some fans have also questioned the context behind the color change. Since red is the signature color of the party affiliated with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, there has been speculation that the decision could carry political intent, especially with elections approaching.

After hours of intense debate, HYBE issued a direct response. The company stated that the red lighting is tied to BTS’s upcoming album Arirang, describing it as the project’s key visual element. They also clarified that the Seoul Metropolitan Government adopted the same color in coordination with the company.

“The red color for the Gwanghwamun Square concert is an application of the key color from the ‘Arirang’ album. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is also utilizing the color red at HYBE's request. We ask that you refrain from interpreting pop culture events through an excessively political lens,” the company stated.

The agency rejected political interpretations and urged the public to avoid overanalyzing the event. At present, HYBE maintains that the decision is part of a creative direction aligned with the concept of Arirang, which has already left a strong impression on fans through its three red-circle logo designed by Jeon Jungkook.

At this point, fans’ concerns have largely been clarified. Some international fans believe that local fans may have overreacted and can now feel reαѕѕured about the promotional intent behind the collaboration between HYBE and the Seoul government.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned lighting event is just one of the key highlights of a month-long festival titled “BTS The City Arirang Seoul,” organized by the city to celebrate BTS’s comeback and new album. The festival will also feature a wide range of large-scale public events and fan programs at major landmarks throughout the capital, running from March 20 (the album release date) to April 19.