Bang Si Hyuk Accused Of Sabotaging BTS Following ARIRANG Concert In Seoul

BTS is facing backlash over their choreography choices in the first concert of their ARIRANG World Tour held in Seoul on April 9.

The controversy began when fans noticed the concert featured minimal choreography, a sharp departure from BTS’s signature high-energy performances. Some blamed the heavy rain that made the stage slippery, but many pointed fingers at HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk.

Bang Si Hyuk recently revealed in a Billboard interview that he directly influenced the choreography decisions for ARIRANG. He called it the “greatest risk” of the project, explaining he stepped in late to scrap all existing choreography drafts.

“The greatest risk in this project was whether the public would accept the bold shift we defined as BTS 2.0. In particular, when it came to choreography, two contrasting forms of risk-taking were pursued simultaneously.”
— Bang Si Hyuk

He admitted that for songs like “Swim” and “Hooligan,” choreography was cut down so much it almost felt nonexistent. The members questioned this, wondering if it still represented BTS.

“In particular, for tracks like ‘Swim’ and ‘Hooligan,’ the choreography was revised to such a minimal level that it almost felt as though there was none. The members questioned this approach, asking whether it truly reflected BTS.”
— Bang Si Hyuk

Bang defended the decision by saying BTS’s presence alone commands the stage, and intense choreography can sometimes overshadow the music.

“I responded by saying, ‘You already possess the kind of aura that can command a stage just by existing. For artists like you, standing still can be more than enough. The kind of intense choreography you’ve done in the past can, at times, overshadow the music. Simply following the methods that the next generation has adopted – methods that you yourselves established – does not align with the weight and stature you now carry. If you’ve chosen to open a new chapter, then you need to present a new kind of performance – one that allows the music itself to be heard.’”
— Bang Si Hyuk

Fans quickly reacted online, many expressing anger and disappointment over Bang’s direct control and the lack of choreography.

“this is what i mean by not idolizing bang pd, like he has good ideas but he also has bad ones,,, but bts steering the ship has never done us wrong ” — @plushiejin

“ like the choreos literally elevate the song so much….and makes it even more interesting and hard hitting ..this man just spews bs and gaslights. Imagine telling a group which is known for its grand performances and addicting dance breaks that stand still” — @miniecherie

“At this point it just looks like he wants to sabotage bts…” — @x_MinBit_x

“This is insane, stripping their indentity from them and taking away the choreo cs its ‘not needed’, what in the world am i reading” — @dalisayjmn_

“Like did yall really think Jimin didnt want to dance? Do you think the same guys that went on about being proud Koreans when asked by Western interviewers to drop a fully English album wanted an English main track? Use critical thinking and stop believing they have absolute power” — @beakieluvr

However, others defended Bang Si Hyuk’s decision, citing the physical toll BTS’s intense choreography took on past tours and praising the new approach for preserving the members’ health during this long tour.

“So, they’re about to embark on their biggest and longest tour, and the fact that the choreography isn’t all that strenuous means their physical health is much better and they can handle that entire itinerary. Plus, the choreography is well-thought-out for each song. But you’re…” — @Ccyellow7

“Anyone who knew how much boys pushed themselves during LY tour will know that minimal choreography is better for the long run of the tour. We don’t want our boys to suffer just because people love BTS’s intense choreography!!” — @YukisaMin

“but if we get another concert dvd with backstage footage showing just how tough the choreos are on their bodies?? bc also remember the oxygen bottles and armytwt last tour.. oh you’ll be singing a different tune” — @0613_Rkive

Meanwhile, BTS is also facing a live singing controversy stemming from the same concert.

BTS Hit With A Live Singing Controversy After First “ARIRANG” Concert