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Ticket value charts for BTS concert events uploaded on ticketing platforms in 2017, proper, and 2026 / Captured from NOL Ticket (previously Interpark)
Okay-pop live performance ticket costs have practically doubled over the previous decade, sparking rising frustration amongst followers.
A decade in the past, top-tier seats at main idol concert events averaged about 100,000 gained, or round $90 on the time. As we speak, tickets for in style acts usually fall between 150,000 gained ($102) and 250,000 gained.
This dramatic value escalation is obvious within the Okay-pop scene. The costliest ticket for BTS’ “THE WINGS TOUR” in Seoul in 2017 was 110,000 gained, however top-tier seats for the group’s upcoming reveals in Korea, beginning in April, have risen to 264,000 gained.
Lengthy-running teams present the identical development. Tremendous Junior bought all seats for his or her 2016 world tour “SUPER SHOW 6” at 110,000 gained, however for the upcoming “SUPER SHOW 10” in April, standing tickets closest to the stage are priced at 198,000 gained. Equally, whereas standing tickets for APINK’s 2016 live performance had been 99,000 gained, VIP seats for his or her February present, “The Origin: APINK,” have reached 187,000 gained. Throughout the business, costs have risen by roughly 100,000 to 150,000 gained in comparison with a decade in the past.
CORE seats for Tremendous Junior’s upcoming April live performance “SUPER SHOW 10.” The part closest to the stage is designated because the CORE space, which grants entry to the preshow sound test. Captured from Weverse
Paying for the ‘private’ contact
The sharp rise is essentially attributed to the proliferation of perk-linked premium tickets, which bundle the stay efficiency with unique extras reminiscent of preshow sound checks — a rehearsal viewing with a extra intimate really feel — and postshow meet and greets — fan engagement occasions. Whereas common inflation has performed a job over the past 10 years, businesses have relied closely on these premium tiers, which provide temporary interactions or nearer proximity to performers, to justify greater costs.
The premium bundles have generated controversy as a result of the advantages are actually regularly obligatory for front-row seats. Followers merely in search of a superb view, with out extra occasions, are left with no selection however to buy the costly packages.
Arduous promote vs. real possibility
Some followers argue that the added entry justifies the premium pricing.
“You may speak briefly with the singer through the sound test, and so they generally carry out songs not on the setlist, so satisfaction is excessive,” one fan stated. One other added, “It supplied a greater view than a fan signing occasion and was extra satisfying than anticipated.”
Nonetheless, the monetary pressure is plain.
“Attending simply two concert events now prices practically 400,000 gained, which is near a month’s hire,” one fan stated. “They need to decrease the bottom value, no matter occasion participation.”
Critics describe the development as a “arduous promote” of merchandise fairly than a real possibility.
“I desire a good seat for the efficiency, however the very best spots inevitably include a compulsory sound test,” wrote one fan on-line. “If you wish to see the singer up shut, you’re compelled to pay greater than earlier than.”
One other fan commented, “I wish to see the live performance, not be compelled right into a ‘hi-touch’ (a quick high-five session with the artist). Bundling these occasions with particular seats is merely a advertising ploy.”
Backlash has already emerged. In October, boy band ENHYPEN confronted criticism for bundling sound test entry with all standing seats at 220,000 gained. Woman group Le Sserafim additionally priced VIP seats that included sound test or meet and greet entry — not each — at 198,000 gained for its Jan. 31 present.
Ticketing web page for Le Sserafim’s live performance. All standing areas close to the stage are bought as sound test seats. Captured from NOL Ticket
Shopper strain has, in some instances, led to adjustments. After complaints over extreme pricing, RBW, the company for boy group ONEWE, just lately transformed VIP seats to straightforward flooring seating for a Jan. 5 live performance, decreasing the worth from 189,000 gained to 143,000 gained.
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Occasions, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Occasions.
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