BTS has sparked a wave of criticism among fans following its latest announcement regarding a special release featuring footage from the group’s London concert.
The announcement, shared through the group’s official social media accounts on November 9, introduced “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN LONDON,” a new release connected to the ongoing ARIRANG world tour.
However, instead of generating excitement alone, the announcement quickly triggered frustration among many fans.
Several ARMYs questioned the format, the amount of concert footage included, and the overall value of the package.
The absence of physical media and the decision to include only part of the concert became two of the biggest talking points across social media.
BTS is currently continuing its ARIRANG tour, which has brought the members back to international stages.
With fans eager to preserve memories of the group’s performances, many had expected a more comprehensive concert release.
The newly announced product, however, appears to have fallen short of those expectations for some supporters.
The criticism has particularly focused on the difference between the new digital release and previous BTS concert packages, which often included complete performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and physical collectibles.
Fans Question Digital-Only Format and Missing Concert Performances
One of the biggest concerns raised by fans was that the London concert release would be available through a digital code rather than traditional physical media such as DVDs.
Several fans expressed confusion over the decision, especially because earlier concert packages offered physical editions alongside additional collectible items.
Another major point of frustration was the reported inclusion of only part of the concert rather than the complete setlist.
Fans noticed that several performances appeared to be missing, including songs such as “IDOL,” “Fire,” “Butter,” “Dynamite,” “Body to Body,” and “Into the Sun.”
The omission of these performances left many supporters questioning the purpose of purchasing a concert release that did not capture the complete experience.
One fan compared the new package with previous BTS concert products, writing,
“Remember when they used to sell the concert package on dvd format, with the full setlist, behind the scenes clips, plus a nice little random photocard and maybe a preorder benefit, all for under 50,000 krw?”
Another fan explained why the new format had made them reconsider purchasing the release, stating,
“this is the first time ever i don’t think i’ll buy the digital code. one of my fav things about past releases was always the behind-the-scenes/making of. doesn’t sound like much? special ‘clips’ sound short. interviews w/ ‘experts’? not the members? also not the full setlist?”
The absence of photocards and other physical inclusions also became a recurring complaint.
Fans questioned why a product marketed around a major world tour would not offer the kinds of keepsakes that had traditionally accompanied similar releases.
Pricing and Content Become Major Talking Points Among ARMYs
The price of the newly announced release further intensified the discussion.
Some fans argued that the cost seemed excessive considering the limited concert footage and the absence of physical collectibles.
One frustrated fan commented,
“seriously no photocards and only half the concert, they’re out of their fucking minds.”
Others questioned the decision to offer a digital code for a concert package, particularly given concerns about accessing the content through Weverse.
The availability of Standard and Members versions also prompted questions about what additional value the different editions would provide.
Another fan expressed confusion about the format, writing,
“Oh there are two versions STANDARD and MEMBERS.
Also a TOUR DVD with no DVD? why Digi code when weverse TV is discontinued and why half the setlist missing from both versions??
No photocards in member ver, who’s their Target audience haha”
Some supporters also pointed out that the release appeared to include interviews with people other than the BTS members, rather than offering more exclusive footage of the artists themselves.
A separate fan highlighted the missing performances, saying,
“we are missing merry go round, like animals, normal, not today, fire, fya, idol, body to body, come over, butter, dynamite, please, and into the sun…what is the point if you cut half the setlist?!”
While the announcement has attracted considerable criticism, the reactions represent fans’ responses to the currently shared product details.
As of November 9, no official response addressing the backlash has been reported from BIGHIT MUSIC or HYBE.
For now, the discussion continues as ARMYs debate whether the London concert release offers enough content to justify its price.
Many are hoping for clearer details or changes that could make the package more appealing, particularly for fans who expected a complete concert experience.
