BTS' agency warns 2022 Seoul concert attendees not to engage with counterfeit products

On March 7, BIGHIT MUSIC released a statement regarding the sale of counterfeit products on-ground at BTS’ Permission to Dance On Stage (PTD) concert in Seoul. With the amount of ARMYs attending the concert, the agency will team up with the Korean Intellectual Property Office and take strict measures against people “producing, selling, and distributing” counterfeit products.

The concert will be held at the Seoul Jamsil Olympic Stadium for three days on March 10, 12, and 13. The concerts will be hosted in accordance with all COVID regulations and precautions. These rules include no yelling, shouting, or screaming, socially distanced seats, vaccine requirements, and mandatory masks.

BTS’ agency announces on-site inspection at PTD Seoul concert for counterfeit products

With only three days to go for BTS’ highly-awaited PTD concert in their home country, agency BIGHIT MUSIC has taken all the necessary precautions to make it a good experience. The grounds of any concert is prone to people (sometimes irrespective of them attending the concert) who are selling products or “merchandise” in the group’s name.

HYBE will join hands with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and continuously conduct on-site inspections and investigations into counterfeit products being sold or purchased “at and around the venue.” The investigation will take place on all three days of the concert which are March 10, 12 and 13.

The notice states that doing so infringes upon the artists’ portrait and trademark rights. Strict measures will be taken against anyone seen violating the rules.

Meanwhile, the announcement caused a stir in the ARMY fandom and confused many. One way fans improve their concert experience is by giving away freebies to other fans. These freebies can include anything from photocards to bead bracelets. As the freebies have either the BTS members’ photos, name or logo, it confused some fans whether this would count under counterfeit products or not.

Other ARMYs gave their two cents on the confusion, saying that as freebies are non-profitable and do not require people to pay money, freebies and giveaways might not be counted. However, they still urged fans to do so outside the venue, to be safer.

Many even commented that they believe the rule is specifically for fansites who sell counterfeit profits. Some also believe that the notice might apply to fan artists selling their stuff too.

BTS will be performing at a sold-out stadium for three days before attending the 64th Grammys in Las Vegas. The group’s four days of PTD concert in Vegas received a rave response as all shows sold out within a few hours in just the pre-sale period.

About the author

Afreen has been a K-Pop Content Specialist at Sportskeeda since 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, along with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Afreen has over 4+ years of working in various positions including being an entertainment content writer with Pinkvilla’s K-pop division Hallyutalk and CineDope, and as a copywriter at Flying Cursor.

As per Afreen, she loves her work because she gets to write about the things she is obsessed with. Her thorough research and following the two-genuine-source rule of journalism helps her produce the most accurate content, along with helping her be up-to-date with the industry.

Afreen has had the privilege to interview The Rose's frontrunner, WOOSUNG, and LIONESSES, K-pop's first openly LGBTQ+ group. She is a big fan of SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, BTS, and The Rose for their hard work, sincerity, and the comic relief their shows provide.

When she is off her shift, Afreen explores the streets of Nottingham in the UK, cooks, and listens to new music.

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