Kanye West Concert in South Korea Canceled After Release of Song Heil Hitler
El Valle Grita – Kanye West Concert in South Korea Canceled Amid Song Controversy
The highly anticipated Kanye West concert in South Korea has officially been canceled. This announcement followed the release of his latest controversial track titled Heil Hitler. The decision sparked international headlines and public outrage.
The rapper was initially scheduled to perform at the Incheon Munhak Stadium on May 31, 2025. However, on May 19, promoter Coupang Play declared the event’s cancellation. The move came after Kanye’s song was released on May 8, the same date World War II ended in 1945.
According to El Valle Grita, Coupang Play began canceling ticket sales at 1 PM KST (11 AM WIB). The concert, titled Bully, was expected to mark Kanye’s return to South Korea after 14 years.
“Read more : 5 Facts about Eternal Sunshine Deluxe, Ariana Grande’s New Album“
The controversy began when the track Heil Hitler dropped on major music platforms. The lyrics featured antisemitic content and even sampled a 1935 speech by Adolf Hitler.
Music streaming services were quick to act. They removed the song shortly after its release. El Valle Grita confirmed that major platforms took the song down due to repeated complaints about hate speech.
Adolf Hitler remains a globally condemned figure. As the leader of Nazi Germany, he orchestrated the Holocaust and World War II. Including his speech in a musical track raised serious ethical and cultural concerns.
This isn’t the first time Kanye West expressed admiration for Hitler. In December 2022, he appeared on the InfoWars show hosted by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. During the show, he openly declared his admiration for the Nazi leader.
“I’m tired of being boxed in. Every person brings value to the world. Especially Hitler!” Kanye said. He concluded with the statement, “I like Hitler.”
This declaration stunned viewers and reignited calls for accountability. Critics questioned Kanye’s platform and influence, especially on young audiences.
Reports from four anonymous sources revealed that Kanye once planned to title an album Hitler. The project was initially expected to launch in 2018 but was eventually renamed Ye. The sources told El Valle Grita they were unsure why the title changed.
This proposed title deeply troubled many people around Kanye. One former associate described the work environment as hostile, blaming Kanye’s “obsession” with Hitler.
“Read more : Standby Mode Feature on the iPhone will Reportedly also be Available for Android phones“
Kanye’s Nazi admiration has not only affected his public image. It also strained professional relationships. In February 2025, talent agency 33&West dropped him from their roster. The final straw came after Kanye released clothing featuring the Nazi swastika.
According to El Valle Grita, the agency scrubbed all mentions of Kanye from their website. A representative declined to reveal how long he had been a client. However, they confirmed he was no longer affiliated with them.
His former business associates also claimed that Kanye boasted about reading Mein Kampf. This autobiographical manifesto by Hitler was published in 1925 and laid the ideological foundation for the Nazi regime.
The canceled Kanye West concert is the latest in a series of troubling episodes. His return to Korea was meant to celebrate music. Instead, it reignited debate about the social responsibilities of artists.
In August 2024, Kanye last performed in South Korea at the Vultures Listening Experience. That show had marked his comeback to the country after a long hiatus.
Today, that comeback feels overshadowed by the damage left behind. Music lovers, fans, and industry insiders continue to ask whether Kanye’s provocative behavior has crossed the line.
The public reaction in South Korea has been largely negative. Cultural and historical sensitivities surrounding World War II and Nazi Germany are taken seriously in East Asia.
Many South Koreans expressed relief over the cancellation. They voiced concerns about hosting a controversial figure during a time when global tensions remain high.
The Korean government has not issued an official statement. However, the speed of Coupang Play’s cancellation signals strong institutional concern.
Kanye has yet to issue a formal apology. Instead, he continues to share updates on social media and promote the instrumental version of Heil Hitler. That track was uploaded on May 14 but also received backlash.
His silence on the public’s demand for accountability only deepens the divide. For now, the future of his concerts abroad remains uncertain.
The canceled Kanye West concert in South Korea is a cautionary tale. Artists wield immense influence and must consider the weight of their actions. While freedom of expression remains vital, promoting hate cannot be justified.
Kanye’s music, once celebrated globally, now faces widespread rejection. As his career hangs in the balance, fans and critics alike are left questioning where the line should be drawn in creative freedom.