K-pop band BTS performs in Saudi Arabia despite criticism

K-pop superstars BTS created history on Friday by performing in front of over 30,000 people at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh. The seven-member South Korean band became the first foreign artists to perform a solo concert in the Kingdom.

They were in Saudi as part of their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world tour. The all-boy band, known for their music as well as their well-choreographed dance moves, performed in Saudi despite widespread criticism. They were being criticised for their decision to play in a country that has been condemned for human rights abuses. From the moment they announced the concert in July, fans have been divided, with many even reminding them of the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey.

The group, however, stuck to their decision and defended it by saying although it wasn’t an easy one to make, they had been “officially invited” and that “we go where people want to see us”. Social media responses triggered hashtags like #BTSdontgo. The Human Rights Foundation, in an official tweet, criticised the band's decision to 'whitewash' the human rights violations by the Kingdom.

Fans in Saudi Arabia, however, were floored by the performance and took to social media to thank the band. The band had been invited to play in the country by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who has been declaring a slew of 'reforms' in the kingdom. Saudi women were granted permission to enter the King Fahd International Stadium only in 2017.

In July, US rapper Nicki Minaj had cancelled a performance in Saudi Arabia in a show of support for women's and gay rights in the ultra-conservative kingdom. "While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after better educating myself on the issues, I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression," she had said in a statement.