BTS forced to cancel first concert since pandemic began due to rising infections

Band had been due to perform in South Korea in October

BTS have been forced to cancel an October concert due to fears over coronavirus.

The K-pop group were due to perform their first concert since the pandemic began in Seoul on the 10 and 11 October, with audiences asked to observe social distancing rules.

However, following a new stream of infections in the South Korean capital, tougher restrictions have been put in place, meaning the gig cannot go ahead with an audience. Instead, it will be livestreamed online.

Announcing the news on Friday (25 September), BTS’s record label Big Hit Entertainment said: “We have been planning the in-person component of our concert in order to try to create an opportunity for our artists and fans to meet, despite the challenges created by Covid-19.

“We would like to apologise to all fans who have been looking forward to an in-person concert.”

Earlier this year, BTS cancelled their forthcoming world tour, including dates in Asia, Europe and the United States, due to the pandemic.

However, lockdown hasn’t stopped the band from growing their audience, releasing their first English-language single, “Dynamite”, which topped the Billboard Top 100 in the US.

Following their continued success, BTS were recently given shares in their record label predicted to be worth millions.