A man in his 20s has been taken into custody after posting an online bomb threat targeting PLAVE’s upcoming encore concert in Seoul.
On August 19, at around 1:50 p.m., the suspect uploaded a promotional image of PLAVE’s “Dash: Quantum Leap” encore concert at Gocheok Sky Dome, along with the threatening caption: “I will plant explosives.” The concerts are scheduled for November 21 and 22.
Police at Yongin West Station responded swiftly after receiving the report, and they located and arrested the suspect within two and a half hours.
During questioning, he reportedly told investigators that the post was meant as a “joke.” Authorities, however, are treating the matter as a serious case of public intimidation and are continuing their investigation into his motives.
Incidents of online threats against concerts and large gatherings have increased in South Korea in recent years. More recently, authorities received a report that explosives were planted at THE BOYZ’s concert at KSPO Dome. As a result, their second show was delayed by hours and only started after authorities conducted a thorough search.
PLAVE, a virtual idol group that debuted in 2023, has quickly built a strong fanbase with their infectious music. They received a lot of love from K-pop fans for their songs such as Way 4 Luv, Pump Up the Volume!, Rizz, Dash, and more.
The five-member group—Bamby, Yejun, Noah, Eunho, and Hamin—last returned in February with their EP Caligo Pt.1 and followed it with their Japanese debut in May.
Most recently, PLAVE launched their Asia tour Dash: Quantum Leap with an opening concert in Seoul last weekend. Next, they will hold concerts in Taipei (August 23), Hong Kong (October 1), Jakarta (October 18), Bangkok (October 25), and Tokyo (November 1-2).
