Kanye West's Korea Concert Canceled Over Hitler Praise Controversy
Kanye West (stage name YE)’s highly anticipated concert in South Korea, scheduled for May 2025, has been officially canceled. This abrupt decision was not merely a scheduling conflict, but rather a reaction to a significant global controversy sparked by Kanye’s latest music release. This post outlines the background, official response, past controversies, and broader impact of the cancellation.
📌 Background: Hitler Praise Controversy
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Kanye West recently released a new track titled “Heil Hitler” (also referred to as “BULLY”), igniting global outrage.
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The song includes the lyric “I love Hitler” and features actual audio clips from Hitler’s speeches, clearly glorifying a totalitarian dictator.
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The track’s release on May 8, coinciding with Europe’s Victory in Europe Day (marking the end of WWII), further amplified the backlash.
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Jewish organizations, global music fans, and various civil groups quickly condemned the song, with calls to cancel the concert spreading rapidly across social media platforms.
📌 Official Statement from Coupang Play
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On May 19, Coupang Play, the event organizer, released an official statement: “Due to Kanye’s recent controversy, the ‘YE Korea Concert’ scheduled for May 31 has been inevitably canceled.”
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Simultaneously, all sales of Kanye West’s limited edition Yeezy merchandise associated with the concert were suspended starting 1 PM on May 19.
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Ticket holders will be contacted individually with refund instructions and further guidance.
📌 Kanye West’s Past Controversies
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This is not Kanye’s first scandal. In 2022, he made similarly inflammatory remarks such as “I like Hitler” and “Hitler was a valuable figure,” provoking strong backlash.
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These statements led to the suspension of his Twitter account and the termination of major brand partnerships, including with Adidas.
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His comments have been widely condemned as anti-Semitic and as dangerously glorifying one of history’s most notorious figures.
📌 Impact of the Cancellation
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The canceled Korea concert would have marked Kanye’s return to the country after nearly nine years, following his 2016 Saint Pablo Tour.
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It was expected to be the world premiere of the controversial song “BULLY,” but all associated collaborations and merchandise have now been halted.
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The incident has reignited global debate over freedom of speech, artistic expression, and the responsibility of public figures.
✅ Summary
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Kanye West's Korea concert was canceled due to international backlash over his newly released song praising Adolf Hitler.
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The organizer, Coupang Play, officially canceled the concert and all related Yeezy merchandise sales on May 19.
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Kanye has previously faced widespread condemnation and commercial fallout for similar anti-Semitic comments.
📚 Sources
[1] https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20250519111700
[2] https://news.nate.com/view/20250519n13770
[3] https://m.news.nate.com/view/20250519n14012?mid=e01&list=recent&cpcd=
[4] https://www.mk.co.kr/news/musics/11320545
[5] https://v.daum.net/v/20250519112710760
[6] https://m.news.zum.com/articles/98332485
[7] https://www.bntnews.co.kr/article/view/bnt202505190079
[8] https://biz.chosun.com/international/international_general/2025/05/19/6V3EU6QWEFADRFUEIOH2GBUO6A/
[9] https://www.spotvnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=748611
[10] https://www.mk.co.kr/economy/view/2025/353148
