BTS World Tour Canceled Due to COVID- 19 Restrictions
BTS on Friday officially cancelled their Map of the Soul Tour, after it was postponed in February last year. The popular K-pop band decided to cancel their upcoming Map of the Soul world tour because of numerous logistical difficulties related to the corona virus pandemic. The announcement has left BTS’ fans, the ARMY, disappointed.
In a statement released on Friday the band’s label Big Hit Music said, “Our Company has worked hard to resume preparations for the BTS Map of the Soul Tour, knowing that all fans have for the tour.”
“Due to stances beyond our control, it has become difficult to resume performances at the same scale and timeline as previously planned,” it added. “Therefore we must announce the cancellation of the BTS Map of the Soul Tour.”
Image Courtesy: South China Morning Post
“The tour’s concerts in Seoul were previously canceled in February of last year, followed by the postponement of the North American leg in March; dates in Europe and Japan were postponed prior to the start of ticket sales in those regions. We regret that we must now inform you of the formal cancellation of the tour. For fans who have reserved tickets for the North American shows, you will receive an email from your original point of purchase regarding refunds,” they added.
Reports from Billboard said BTS has been trying to tour in support of their fourth album, Map of the Soul: 7, since Spring 2020. However, pandemic-related delays have stretched on indefinitely. The group’s original tour plans included a series of dates beginning in Seoul in April 2020, followed by 39 shows in 18 countries spanning North America, Europe and Asia.
Instead, BTS has pivoted to ticketed online concerts. The group’s label said Friday that live shows may be rescheduled for the fall, while also intimating that a return to virtual performance might be required. They also played at the 2021 Grammys and released new singles including “Dynamite” and “Butter.”
“Once again, please allow us to offer our sincere apology to all fans who have waited for the BTS Map of the Soul Tour to resume,” Big Hit concluded. “We are working to prepare a viable schedule and performance format that can meet your expectations, and we will provide updated notices as soon as possible.”
A temporary postponement the same month has now turned into a 16-month hiatus. In that time, BTS has performed at online concerts for paying fans and released a movie.
Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
According to the Yonhap news agency, South Korea’s daily new corona virus cases remained in the 2,000s for the second straight day on 20th amid little signs of letup, triggering the extension of the toughest level of virus restrictions for two more weeks.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday announced 2.025 new COVID-1- cases, including 2,001 local infections. Since the beginning of the outbreak the country has endured a total of 233,000 infections.
-Aditi
