Hyundai Research Institute once reported that BTS could generate profits of up to 43.8 billion USD for the кσяєαn economy between 2014 and 2023. Along with promoting cultural products as well as increasing кσяєαn products exported, BTS also attracts nearly 1 million tourists to this country every year.

Taking advantage of this factor, local authorities have sought to turn locations into places αѕѕociated with BTS that fans cannot miss. However, recently, due to controversy related to intellectual property rights, some places in кσяєα were forced to destroy works, even statues related to BTS.

It also created a small conflict between HYBE and the local government while making many fans regretful. Here are the details:

BTS are clearly the world's top Kpop superstars and it's no exaggeration to say that they are symbols of кσяєα. That is also the reason why many local governments develop tourism by building public art scenes inspired by the group such as sculpting statues, painting entire areas purple or recreating sceneries that once appeared in the group's MVs...

The significance of these structures extends beyond mere physical representations. Various locations across South кσяєα, including beaches, bus stops, and breakwaters, have gained fame and a special place in the hearts of BTS fans. These spots, often dubbed as ‘holy sites,’ have become pilgrimage destinations for the global fan community.

For instance, the Maengbang Beach in Samcheok gained prominence due to its αѕѕociation with the BTS hít song “Butter"...

The bus stop at Hyangho Beach has been one of the most recognizable BTS landmarks since it appeared on the cover of “You Never Walk Alone"...

Or Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin city, Gyeonggi province — the site where SUGA‘s “Daechwita” was recorded — is another place....

However, fans recently received sad news that sculptures or symbols αѕѕociated with BTS' MVs in these localities will be gradually destroyed in the near future. Even earlier this year, Samcheok City, known for its BTS photo zone sculpture and signage, made a consequential decision to remove these fan-favorite BTS-themed sculpture and other related installations at Maengbang Beach.

This decision comes in the wake of a dispute over intellectual property rights initiated by HYBE. The heart of the issue lies in HYBE’s recent actions, where the company has sent out official requests to various local governments for the removal of BTS-related structures. These requests cite concerns over intellectual property rights infringement, challenging the lєgαl grounds on which these fan-celebrated landmarks stand.

Despite these cultural impacts, HYBE’s standpoint is driven by the need to protect its intellectual property. The company argues that the sculptures and murals infringe upon BTS’s trademark and portrait rights, leading to potential lєgαl complications, according to Ten Asia.

The decision to dismantle these structures has not been met without resistance. Several local governments have voiced their concerns, deeming HYBE’s approach excessive. They argue that these installations were created for public interest, aiming to attract BTS fans to locations featured in the group’s music videos and album jackets.

Meanwhile, a HYBE representative explained their stance, emphasizing the importance of protecting the artists’ intellectual property rights and considering the challenges of continuous management and the potential negative impact on the artist’s image. The impending removal of the BTS sculpture in Samcheok marks a turning point and raises questions about the future of similar installations across the country.