Citing concerns surrounding the rise in COVID-19 cases, K-pop supergroup BTS has canceled the entirety of its upcoming Map of the Soul world tour. The global trek was set to begin in April 2020 but was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic with ticket holders having the option to hold onto their tickets until new dates were announced. Refunds for the tour are now available and will be issued via point of purchase.
The cancellation news arrived via Big Hit Music, BTS’ record label. “Our company has worked hard to resume preparations for the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR, knowing that all fans have been waiting eagerly and long for the tour,” the label shared in a statement. “However, due to changing circumstances beyond our control, it has become difficult to resume performances at the same scale and timeline as previously planned. Therefore we must announce the cancellation of the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR.”
“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,” the statement continued. “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.”
The tour was scheduled in support of BTS’ album series Map of the Soul which features the EP Map of the Soul: Persona and the album Map of the Soul: 7.
“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 shared. “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.”
