[ Asia Economy ] The group BLACKPINK has reunited as a complete group after a year and started their world tour, but there is controversy over selling some obstructed view seats as regular seats for the concert.
On the 6th, numerous posts raising complaints and issues regarding seat reservations for this BLACKPINK concert were shared on online communities and social networking services (SNS). BLACKPINK kicked off their new world tour ‘Deadline’ at Goyang Stadium’s main stadium in Gyeonggi Province from the 5th to the 6th. Meanwhile, on SNS, there were claims from attendees seated in some seats that the large screen structures obstructed the stage, making it difficult to properly view the performance. One user complained, “I spent most of the performance looking at the wall.” Some users particularly lamented that the large screen structures completely blocked their view of the stage.
The problematic seats are in the ‘N3’ section, located directly opposite the stage and at the very end of the venue. In front of this section, consoles and a large screen were placed, completely blocking the view of the stage. Despite this, the seats were not classified as obstructed-view seats and were sold at the regular seat (B section) price of 132,000 won. Obstructed-view seats were sold for 99,000 won. However, at the time of booking, there was an advisory that ‘some seats may have restricted views due to the stage production, artist positions, consoles, structures, stage equipment, cameras, etc.’ While sections with view obstructions from railings, etc., and table seats were specifically mentioned, the ‘B section’ did not have any such advisory. Despite this, as the price was higher than for obstructed-view seats and the performance could only be enjoyed on the screen, there were criticisms among users, likening it to “a group viewing at a movie theater.”
There were even remarks among the audience about whether they should get a refund, but on the booking page, it was stated that ‘tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged due to view obstructions on the day of the performance.’ As a result, some fans are considering reported it to the Korea Consumer Agency. According to the consumer dispute resolution standards for performance industries (Fair Trade Commission notice), if viewing is difficult due to the fault of the organizer, a full refund of the ticket price and 10% of the admission fee as compensation could be granted. In fact, during Bruno Mars’ 2023 concert in Korea, refunds were issued for ‘wall view’ seats where even the screen was not visible. Meanwhile, through this ‘Deadline’ world tour, BLACKPINK is set to release their new song ‘Jump’ and meet global fans in a total of 16 cities, including stadiums in LA, Chicago, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bulacan, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
Reporter Bang Je-il zeilism@asiae.co.kr
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