Here's Why ARMYs Are Voicing Anger After Pandemic Protocols Change For "2022 World Cup Qualifier" Events

Between 10-13 March, BTS stole the hearts of ARMYs worldwide when they performed three shows at Seoul’s Olympic Stadium for their PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – SEOUL shows. While K-ARMYs flocked to the venue to watch the group in person for the first time since the pandemic, fans worldwide watched online and in local theaters.

BTS before their “PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – SEOUL” shows | *@bts_twt/ Twitter*

One of the major drawbacks of the shows was related to the restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The size of the shows was much smaller. The venue can hold a maximum of 69,000 fans, but the concert only allowed 15,000 per night due to restrictions.

The Olympic Stadium at full capacity

During a live broadcast, Jin was praised because of his honestly when explaining the impact of COVID-19 on the shows. He shared that he was extremely excited about the concerts in Seoul, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the concert would not benefit the company financially.

Also, well, this isn’t something that we should say. To tell the truth, this upcoming concert is going to be close to a loss financially.

— Jin

| BTS/ VLIVE

Although this meant that Korean ARMYs had an even tougher time trying to get these limited tickets, Suga pointed out that there were many other ways to enjoy the show, even if it wasn’t in person.

Many netizens appreciated the comments and accepted that the pandemic meant that everyone had to make concessions and were happy BTS got to perform at all.

| BTS/ VLIVE

A recent announcement has caused a lot of anger amongst ARMYs, and it is related to the pandemic protocols when it comes to large-scale events. On March 15, it was announced that tickets for the 2022 World Cup qualifier at Seoul World Cup Stadium would go on sale.

While the Seoul World Cup Stadium capacity is smaller than the venue BTS performed at, it is still over 65,000. In the announcement, the Korea Football Association explained that there were no restrictions on the number of people in attendance, so all 65,000 seats would be sold.

As soon as the announcement was made, ARMYs shared their anger. They explained that whereas BTS had to cut their numbers by a third, the football event was being allowed to continue with a full capacity crowd, despite the rising COVID-19 cases in Korea.

Fucking hell. The Korean Football Association is selling tickets for the World Cup qualifier at Seoul World Cup Stadium and guess what? The game will be allowed to have a full audience, so that means 60k people in the stands. Fcking misogynistic hypocrites. pic.twitter.com/t5cBc6ot0s

— bora 💜 (@modooborahae) March 15, 2022

In particular, the event is on March 24, which is less than two weeks away. Many pointed out that it would be impossible to make such a drastic change for event protocols within that short time, especially as the decision on the capacity would’ve been decided way ahead of the announcement.

ARMYs shared their views on social media, adding how they felt about the sudden change in rules. Many added how they wouldn’t be surprised if the crowds could cheer and saw it as “misogyny” as K-Pop has a predominantly fanbase compared to sports.

For many fans, it seems unfair that such a huge change to protocols could be put into place within weeks of another event. The small number of people allowed into BTS’s concerts meant that many ARMYs missed seeing the members. Others added that the respectful behavior K-ARMYs showcased by following the rules seems to have been taken for granted.

You can read more about the impact of COVID-19 on the PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE shows below.