We ask HYBE to provide an explanation for the discrepancies and high prices at Pop-Up stores of BTS 'Arirang' Europe tour, and to lower the prices if they exceed the market value, so the merch is more affordable to the average European fan.

Every fan deserves a true full experience and having physical memories from one of the happiest days without experiencing financial burdens!

If you are an ARMY, please sign this petition if these experiences, values and demands align with your opinions.

European ARMYs will be able to see BTS as a whole group for the very first time since 2019. The tour dates have been approached by many with a lot of excitement, enthusiasm and, most importantly, the feelings of friendship and community. Flights, hotels, transportation, concert tickets - all add up to sums that are larger than our monthly salaries. This is the case for many  European ARMYs from all across the continent.

BTS member Jin was able to come to London and Amsterdam last year for his tour. This announcement was met with a lot of joy. We were able to attend his final show of the tour in Amsterdam on the 10th of August. And one of the most memorable parts of the trip and the concert was the community. Standing in the line for the merch exchanging freebies, seeing ARMYs in the metro excitedly going to the show, and going back to the hotel in a stuffed train all happy and friendly. These memories stay with you forever. But, what was even more amazing was the day after going home and seeing ARMYs everywhere with their merch and exchanging smiles and hello's. This beautiful thing about our fan community is what makes us unique and united.

After being able to get tickets to BTS Tour 'Arirang' in Europe was one of the best days of 2026. The one thing we have been looking forward to the most is that fan community: seeing and talking to ARMYs all around the city and exchanging gifts and freebies. One of the main uniting aspects of our fanbase is the amazing merch. We have been choosing our favorite pieces and saving money so we are able to feel that connection to the fanbase that will take over the tour cities this summer. However, the announcement of pop-up stores and the subsequent announcement of the prices really soured not only our mood but the entire mood of the European BTS community.

70 Eur for a lightstick? 200 Eur for a hoodie? 105 Eur for a polyester shoulder bag? The list goes on and on. Through the eyes of the consumers, these prices approach the cost of designer items rather than concert merch. This raises many questions and concerns for European ARMYs that have already spent a fortune on tickets, flights and hotels.

Examples from Madrid Pop-Up Store (prices found on X): 

• 50 Eur for one (!) metal hair clip; 
• 55 Eur for one metal hair pin; 
• 50 Eur for a folding fan;
• 55 Eur for one (!) candle;
• 105 Eur for a souvenir bottle.

Some direct price comparisons between Korea, USA, and Europe Pop-Up Stores, as of 10.06.2026 (prices found on X):

Hoodie (Black)

Las Vegas: 143.68 Eur (166$)
Madrid: 170 Eur

Official Lightstick Ver. 4

Busan: 27.87 Eur (49,000 KRW)
Las Vegas: 59.72 Eur (69$)
Madrid: 70 Eur

Zip-Up Hoodie

Busan: 96.12 Eur (169,000 KRW)
Las Vegas: 173.11 Eur (200$)
Madrid: 200 Eur

These items are typical merch items often wanted and bought by fans attending concerts. Nevertheless, not only they are more expensive than at the US tour stops  (which significantly differs in average salaries and cost of living, merch prices being more accessible for the US fans compared to European fans), many European fans that managed to get the merch from Weverse Online Shop reported paying even less for these items (with included taxes, customs and shipping) compared to the presented prices of the Pop-Up stores. This left so many fans confused on why the items are even more expensive on-site, considering many have waited for these Pop-Up stores to possibly get their favorite merch at a lesser price.

The price discrepancy between Europe and South Korea/Japan/USA appears to be extremely large. Prices are  higher in Europe compared to other regions, based on the current information for the Madrid Pop-Up Store. Although it is understandable that the costs may be slightly larger due to transport costs (which could have been prevented if Weverse Store would open operations in Europe, which as we see, has a huge demand for BTS merchandise), HYBE (the seller company) are possibly able to afford those costs without putting the full burden on the consumer. ARMYs continuously support BTS financially through albums, concert tickets and merchandise, however here it feels excessive and unfair to many fans. Also, the prices compared to Jin's tour in 2025 are, again, much higher this year for the BTS tour. 

Though we understand that HYBE is a private company and can set the prices however they like legally, it would be nice to have an explanation on why there are price discrepancies. All ARMYs are willing to buy merch and want to feel part of the concert with the lightsticks and part of the community with their merch, but considering the average wages, the cost of living and the existing expenses of travelling and attending the concert, many of us will not be able to get the full ARMY experience, affecting the unity in the community and also our concert memories, that supposed to be the happiest day of our young lives.