Southeast Asian K-pop Fans Frustrated by Skyrocketing Concert Ticket Prices

K-pop's ever-growing popularity in Southeast Asia is facing an obstacle as fans express dissatisfaction with the recent surge in concert ticket prices. According to local media outlet MGR Online, the average price of a K-pop concert ticket in Thailand this year is 5,270 baht (approximately 208,000 won), reflecting a 17.9% increase compared to 2019's prices before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Overseas fans are feeling the burden of the higher ticket prices, arguing that they do not see any added benefits to justify the increase. For instance, VIP tickets for Blackpink's Thailand concert at Rajamangala National Stadium are priced at a staggering 14,800 baht (around 583,000 won).

 

 

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Other popular K-pop acts, such as JYJ's Kim Jaejoong and boy group ATEEZ, also have high ticket prices for their concerts. Fans attending Kim Jaejoong's Asian tour must pay 143,000 won for first-class seats and 132,000 won for second-floor seats. Meanwhile, even with membership discounts, ATEEZ fans still have to shell out 340,000 won for their tickets.

 

 

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One reason behind the rising ticket prices is the reduction in sponsorship. Ten years ago, sponsors covered approximately 70% of concert costs. Today, that percentage has dwindled to less than 30%. Despite fans' outcry, there are no proper measures in place to protect consumers, as the government is unable to regulate ticket prices.