Ye South Korea concert canceled amid controversies, streaming bans, and public backlash

Express Tribune

20-05-2025

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, will no longer be performing in South Korea later this month. His concert at Incheon Munhak Main Stadium, originally scheduled for May 31, 2025, has been officially canceled.
Ticketing platform Interpark Global announced the cancellation on its website, citing 'recent controversies' involving the artist. 'We regret to inform you that the 'YE LIVE IN KOREA' concert… has been canceled due to recent controversies involving the artist Kanye West (YE),' the statement reads. 'We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. All purchased tickets will be automatically canceled, and full refunds will be processed sequentially.'
Reuters also confirmed the cancellation on May 19, noting the involvement of South Korean e-commerce company Coupang in the scrapped event.
The decision follows a series of contentious incidents involving Ye in recent months. The rapper has come under fire for making anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ remarks across his social media platforms. Earlier this month, Ye claimed that his song 'Heil Hitler' was banned from all major streaming services. In a post on X, he criticized what he sees as inconsistency in censorship policies, writing: 'Heil Hitler by Ye has been banned by all digital streaming platforms… While Rednecks by Randy Newman remains streamable. They're literally keeping the n—-s down.'
His most recent media appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored ended abruptly after Ye walked off the set following a heated exchange. Before leaving, he defended his public persona and contributions to music and culture.
As of now, Ye has not issued a public response to the concert cancellation. He was recently seen in Mallorca, Spain, alongside his wife Bianca Censori and social media figures Sneako and Digital Nas.