BTS's V asks fans to respect the group's privacy and not to wait outside hotels during world tour

BTS member V has made a heartfelt request to fans, asking them not to wait outside the hotels where the group is staying during its world tour.

On July 1, V shared a message on the fan community platform Weverse, expressing his gratitude for fans' support while asking them to respect the members' privacy.

"I'm truly grateful that you welcome us so warmly, but if possible, I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from coming to the hotels," he wrote. He continued, explaining that he does not want information about where the group is staying to be shared publicly.

"I also don't want to share where we're staying, and it affects our condition for the performances. I'd really appreciate your understanding," V said. "While we're on tour, the time we get to try local restaurants, walk around, and comfortably enjoy each country is incredibly precious. I kindly ask for your consideration."

V's message comes shortly after BigHit Music reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward stalking and invasions of its artists' privacy.

Last month, the agency posted a notice on Weverse stating that waiting around artists' residences or accommodations and leaving unsolicited gifts are not expressions of support but clear criminal acts. The company emphasized that it will respond with a strict, no-tolerance approach to stalking and privacy violations both in South Korea and overseas.

This is not the first time BTS members have spoken out about privacy concerns.

Earlier this year, fellow member Jungkook also expressed frustration after fans crossed personal boundaries following a surprise running event he organized along Seoul's Han River.

At the time, Jungkook uploaded a video of himself running and jokingly told fans, "If you catch me, I'll take a selfie with you." Some nearby fans later shared photos with him online. However, the situation escalated when individuals began showing up near his home, prompting Jungkook to issue a stern warning.

"I didn't tell anyone to wait near my house. Seriously, I'll expose people if this continues," he wrote.

Jungkook has faced multiple stalking incidents over the past year.

Last month, a Brazilian national who had been charged with violating South Korea's anti-stalking law and trespassing was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years. In separate incidents last year, a woman in her 40s was arrested after illegally entering the parking area of Jungkook's residence, while a Chinese woman in her 30s was caught attempting to enter his home by repeatedly entering the front door passcode. A Japanese woman in her 50s was also booked on similar charges.

Meanwhile, BTS launched the European leg of its "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" on June 26 at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.

Following Madrid, the group is scheduled to perform 10 concerts across five major European cities, including Brussels, London, Munich, and Paris.

BTS is also continuing its strong chart performance with its fifth full-length album, 'ARIRANG.' The album remained at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart dated July 4, marking its 12th week in the Top 10. Its title track, "SWIM," landed at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, extending its run on the main singles chart to 14 consecutive weeks.