Korea's BTS cancels all live performances due to coronavirus

Gulf Today Report

Popular South Korean boy band BTS, also known as Bangtan boys, which is a seven-member band, has cancelled a pan-South Korea concert tour over the threat of coronavirus.

South Korea urged citizens to stay indoors as it warned of a “critical moment” to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, and it seems that advice has been heeded after recording the biggest daily jump in infections, with 594 new cases taking the tally to 3,150.

BTS have dropped their second official music video from their new album, “Map of the Soul: 7,” for the song “ON” — and within minutes of it dropping, the song became the biggest YouTube premiere of all time, with 1.54 million concurrent viewers tuned in for the clip’s debut on YouTube Premieres.

According to a post on an official BTS Twitter handle, 'Map of the soul' tour shows scheduled on April 11, 12, 18 and 19 at Seoul's Jamsil Olympic Stadium have been called off.

Ticket buyers are automatically refunded the price of their purchase according to the reports.

"It is unavoidable that the concert must be cancelled without further delay," reads their announcement in Korean.

"Please understand that this decision was made after extensive and careful consideration," the band added.

The Seoul shows were originally scheduled to be the opening shows of a world tour, but with the cancellation their first date will now likely be with in Santa Clara, California, on April 25.

Fans have speculated that the Seoul shows may be cancelled with their recent addition of a third show in Los Angeles at the Rose Bowl.