Bang Si Hyuk Accused Of “Sabotaging” BTS After “ARIRANG” Concert In Seoul

BTS’s first concert for their ARIRANG World Tour took place in Seoul on April 9, and despite the high praise from fans, it wasn’t a completely smooth ride.

One of the major complaints about the concert was the lack of choreography, something that has been BTS’s strong suit for over a decade. While some argued that the minimal dancing was due to heavy rain leaving the stage dangerously wet, others feel that the root of this problem is Bang Si Hyuk.

This backlash against the HYBE chairman is not arbitrary, but based on his recent interview with Billboard magazine. While discussing the making of ARIRANG, Bang admitted that he had a direct involvement in deciding the choreography, or the lack of, for the songs in this album. He described it as the “greatest risk” taken in this project.

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 recalled how the members were frustrated that even during the later stages of the album production, choreographies had not been finalized. Bang decided to “step in” directly and “made the decision to reset everything – to discard all existing choreography drafts.”

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

In response to BTS’s skepticism, the HYBE founder responded that this new chapter needed a different approach.

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

Bang said that it took some time, but eventually the members saw the vision and got fully on board with this new approach. However, many fans have expressed anger over his direct involvement in decision-making and questioned his motives.

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 😭

— iesha⁷ (@plushiejin) April 8, 2026

🤡🤡🤡 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🤡

— •᷄ɞ•᷅🍒 (@miniecherie) April 8, 2026

At this point it just looks like he wants to sabotage bts…

— Rιтα ѕαω ѕкz & αтєєz ☆ミ (@x_MinBit_x) April 10, 2026

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

— leona 𓇢𓆸 (@dalisayjmn_) April 8, 2026

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

— onigiriko (@beakieluvr) April 9, 2026

However, many came to Bang Si Hyuk’s defense, arguing that not having strong choreographies would be better for BTS’s physical health on 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…

— Ccyellow (@Ccyellow7) April 8, 2026

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!!

— Yuki💜⁷ | PJM Explicit Era ✨ (@YukisaMin) April 8, 2026

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 pic.twitter.com/WMdBcfgkUt

— autumn⁷🍂 (@0613_Rkive) April 8, 2026

Meanwhile, BTS has also gotten caught up in a live singing controversy over the same concert.

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

BTS