BTS world tour security staff accused of invasive searches, rights violations

Allegations of excessive pat-downs, confiscated memory cards spread on social media

Concertgoers attend a BTS Arirang World Tour performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Aug. 1 (local time). [Yonhap]

Security staff at BTS world tour venues have been accused of conducting invasive searches, including touching concertgoers in sensitive areas of their bodies.

A statement titled "Our position on excessive responses and human rights violations at BTS overseas tour venues" has been circulating on social media and online communities since Sunday.

BTS performs at the Stade de France in northern Paris on July 17 (local time), closing out the European leg of their Arirang album tour. [Big Hit Music]

A person identified only as A, who said they attended multiple BTS overseas tour performances, said in a statement Thursday that they had "repeatedly experienced excessive responses — beyond simply being stopped from filming or being removed — at several venues on this BTS overseas tour." They said the incidents were not limited to a single venue or individual, adding, "Because this was not something that happened to just one person at one venue, I decided I could no longer treat it as a personal experience and chose to speak out."

The person acknowledged violating venue rules, saying they were aware that using professional camera equipment at performances could breach regulations. "Even when I was stopped from filming, I did not resist — I handed over my camera and memory card and cooperated with being removed," they said.

They then alleged that on mere suspicion of concealing additional memory cards, they were subjected to a thorough search of all their belongings. "Even my sanitary pads — personal hygiene products — were torn open and inspected one by one," they said. They further alleged that a security guard reached inside their trouser pocket and ran a hand along their groin, touching sensitive areas of their body.

"A flash was repeatedly shone directly in my face, close enough to make it hard to keep my eyes open, while photos were taken of me," the person said. "I was not even permitted to seek help from anyone outside."

They said security staff forced them to unlock their phone and directly accessed and photographed personal and identity information, including wallet apps. "The identity information photographed during this process was shared with on-site staff without my consent, and in some cases that information was used to block entry at the following day's performance," they said.

They added that personal memory cards worth hundreds of dollars each were confiscated and never returned in some cases. "Some security staff repeatedly threatened us, saying things like 'We can arrest you,' 'We'll send you to jail,' and 'We'll have you deported from this country,'" they said.

They also asked "whether these excessive responses are not being carried out far more readily against Asian female fans in particular."

BTS has been touring under the Arirang banner since kicking off in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, in April, with stops across the United States, Mexico, Canada and five European countries. The most recent performance took place in Los Angeles on Sept. 6 (local time).

jshan@heraldcorp.com