Big Hit Entertainment releases statement on BTS tour 'Map of the Soul'
Korean label Big Hit Entertainment has released a statement regarding the status and possible changes in K-pop boy group BTS's global concert tour Map of the Soul.
The tour was scheduled to kick off in Seoul on April 11, 12, 18 and 19 but was canceled due to concerns regarding COVID-19.
However, no announcements have been made for the other tour stops such as those in the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain until now.
Big Hit released a statement via the Weverse app on March 24 which says that while they are making efforts to have these performances to push through, cancellations or rescheduling are to be expected.
They stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in every country and will comply with health guidelines from each locality.
Read their full statement as translated by Korean entertainment site Soompi.
"Hello, this is Big Hit Entertainment.
"We would like to provide you with an update of the preparations for BTS's “Map of the Soul” tour.
"We are closely monitoring the situations in the countries and cities that are part of our upcoming tour. With the global spread of COVID-19, in some countries and cities, the level of unpredictability is becoming higher to prepare for the shows. As a result of the current global circumstances, we anticipate having to make changes to the current tour schedule.
"Any cancellations or rescheduling will be based on a policy of full cooperation with the guidance and directives of national and local governments and concert venues to ensure the health and safety of everyone. We are making every effort to proceed with the planned performances where possible, however, details on any changes will be provided separately for each region.
"We are also developing plans to secure dates and venues to hold BTS's “Map of the Soul” tour in Seoul when the situation stabilizes. We ask for your understanding as we continue to strive to deliver a new and better-than-ever experience for the “Map of the Soul” tour to all of our fans who have undoubtedly been disappointed by recent cancellations.
"We will continue to place the highest priority on the health and safety of our artists and fans and do our utmost to keep the promises we made to our fans. Once again, we ask for your generous understanding and support from all of our fans looking forward to BTS's “Map of the Soul” tour.
Thank you."
BTS's Map of the Soul concert tour was announced last January and would have taken the boys to 17 different cities across the world with 37 scheduled performances.