In the days leading up to BTS‘s March 21 concert, reports surfaced that several businesses in the Gwanghwamun area have either temporarily shut down or reduced operations due to anticipated traffic restrictions and safety concerns. As a result, employees claim they were asked, or effectively pressured, to take annual leave or not come to work at all.
According to the civic group Workplace Gapjil 119, multiple complaints have been filed by workers who say they were instructed to use half-day leave or were notified not to show up for work on the day of the concert. Some individuals stated that they had already submitted leave requests under company pressure, raising concerns about whether the process was truly voluntary.
The issue has sparked criticism because annual leave in South Korea is legally intended to be used at the employee’s discretion. Experts argue that forcing workers to take leave under such circumstances may violate labor laws unless there is a valid and unavoidable reason. If the closures are deemed employer-driven, companies could instead be required to provide shutdown allowances, typically at least 70% of average wages.
Concerns are particularly heightened for workers in smaller businesses or those in freelance and platform-based roles, who may not be fully protected under existing labor regulations. For these groups, the financial burden of large-scale events like the BTS concert may fall disproportionately on their shoulders.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between national celebration and everyday working conditions. While the concert is widely seen as a major cultural event that enhances South Korea’s global image, critics argue that such occasions should not come at the expense of workers’ rights.
At the same time, authorities are preparing extensive safety measures for the event, including road closures and restricted access to nearby subway stations. With hundreds of thousands expected to gather, the city faces the dual challenge of ensuring both public safety and fairness for those affected behind the scenes.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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