BTS Brazil Concert Screen Controversy Sparks Government Investigation

The Senacon, the National Consumer Defense Agency under Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security, has launched an investigation into the controversy surrounding reduced screen sizes at BTS’s concert in São Paulo, Brazil.

On the 23rd (local time), Brazil’s Ministry of Justice stated that Senacon ordered the concert organizer, Live Nation Brazil, and the ticket seller, Ticketmaster Brazil, to submit materials related to the concert’s video setup.

The core of the controversy stemmed from differences in the stage design for BTS’s “Arirang” world tour. While 12 large screens were used at concerts in Korea, the United States, Mexico, and Europe, only 4 screens were installed for the South American shows.

Brazilian authorities are focusing on whether attendees were adequately informed about the actual concert layout at the time of ticket purchase. Senacon requested details such as the number and location of screens, visibility data by seat, and any promotional materials distributed at the time of sales.

On the 26th, Live Nation explained through outlets like CNN Brazil that the difference in stage design for South American concerts was due to logistical and scheduling constraints. The agency stated that the 4 LED screens installed on central towers provided a 360-degree viewing experience across the stadium.

It also clarified that the central stage and the four elevated stages matched the official layout diagrams released during ticket sales in April.

The Procon-SP, the consumer protection agency in São Paulo state, reported that from January to October 21st of this year, 518 complaints were filed regarding BTS’s concerts organized by Live Nation, 460 of which concerned the concert’s layout.

Hicardo Morishita, head of Senacon, said, “The issue lies in the way tickets were sold and the information provided about the stage design. Consumers have the right to receive transparent, accurate, and clear information.”

Live Nation Brazil and Ticketmaster Brazil were given a 5-day deadline, including holidays, to respond. Failure to comply could result in administrative penalties.

BTS’s concert in São Paulo will take place three times in total, starting with the first show at 8 p.m. local time on the 28th, which corresponds to 8 a.m. KST on the 29th.