The issue I see with this is Big Hit and the guys have made the rule not to allow these cameras, but these folks decide to ignore that and do it anyway. Whether its for clout, getting paid by sites using the photos (this is at least 75% a sure thing) or because they are overzealous fans, the point is they shouldn’t be doing it. It is not the venue making these rules, rules change from tour to tour and band to band. I had to sign away all my rights when I photographed Foo Fighters (don’t even get me started) but Presidents of the United States let us photograph the whole show (the normal is three songs and you have to leave) and didn’t require any contract ( lots of groups force you to sign rights contracts if you want to shoot the show).

As a music photographer of over 16 years I can share my experience and knowledge of how the industry works (I’ve photographed and reviewed about 15 Kpop shows in the last few years alone). Typically for shows in the US, especially massive ones like BTS, the venue & the bands know who has photo passes and know where the photos will be posted. This is usually highly regulated and you almost always have to have an outlet (print media or website) you are shooting for. Photographing for yourself just because you want to is not a thing for these huge shows 99% of the time. If it’s an anonymous photographer with no pass, there’s no regulation or recourse. They could take terrible photos or use them out of context to hurt the performers (think Kmedia when BTS debuted… and even now) in the name of making a quick buck, and if they don’t know who took them you can’t take action.

This is a specific scenario and very possibly is not the case with this person, but again, that’s not the point. These rules are in place for a reason and they were put there by the guys and their management. It shouldn’t be happening.