Fans call out HYBE’s greed
HYBE recently announced that they would be hosting a reunion concert for GFRIEND‘s 10th anniversary. The group would come together on January 18 and 19, 2025. Many fans were excited for the show… until they heard the price. The tickets were priced flat at ₩165,000 KRW (about $117 USD). Most concerts have tiered pricing, with VIP tickets between ₩149,000 KRW (about $106 USD) to ₩198,000 KRW (about $141 USD). GFRIEND’s flat pricing meant that even nosebleeds would cost the same as VIP or front row tickets. The concert would be held at the Olympic Hall. The venue itself is small, meaning that most would get a good view anyway.
But the shabby venue also raised eyebrows with the expensive pricing. Is HYBE doing this because they have no money? The Olympic Hall? Well, both Olympic Hall and the Gymnastics Stadium both always have flat pricing, but I hate it because Source is under HYBE. ₩165,000 KRW (about $117 USD) for the Olympic Hall? With the processing fees it’s ₩170,000 KRW (about $121 USD), that’s f*cking expensive. It’s obvious how they’re trying to gather funds, but fans can’t help but go. It’s expensive. Flat pricing? Pathetic HYBE. No, but the price is too much. If it’s held at the Olympic Hall, they won’t be able to pull off an amazing setlist, so this is too expensive. Even if it’s okay for front row seats to be ₩160,000 KRW (about $114 USD), shouldn’t they make the side or back seats ₩130,000 KRW (about $92.50 USD)? Concerts are expensive because of the set, but seeing as it’s at the Olympic Hall, it’s not going too be super flashy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the ticket prices for GFRIEND’s reunion concert so high?
The flat pricing for the concert at the Olympic Hall has raised concerns among fans, who feel that the prices are too expensive for the venue size and expected setlist.
2. Are there any VIP ticket options available for the concert?
No, the tickets for GFRIEND’s reunion concert are priced uniformly at ₩165,000 KRW, with no VIP or tiered pricing options.
3. Is this pricing strategy common for concerts under HYBE?
Both the Olympic Hall and the Gymnastics Stadium, venues associated with HYBE, typically have flat pricing for concerts, leading to criticism from fans regarding the perceived greed.
4. Will the concert experience justify the high ticket prices?
Fans have expressed concerns that the venue size and expected setlist may not align with the expensive ticket prices, leading to disappointment among attendees.
5. Are there additional processing fees on top of the ticket price?
Yes, there are processing fees that bring the total ticket cost to ₩170,000 KRW, adding to the overall expense for fans.
6. How are fans reacting to the pricing announcement?
Many fans have voiced their disappointment and frustration with HYBE’s pricing strategy, questioning the company’s motives and expressing concerns about the affordability of attending the concert.
7. Can fans expect any changes to the ticket pricing before the concert?
There has been no indication of potential changes to the ticket pricing for GFRIEND’s reunion concert, leaving fans to grapple with the high costs associated with attending the event.
8. Will the flat pricing impact the overall attendance at the concert?
The high ticket prices and lack of tiered options may deter some fans from attending the concert, especially those who are unable to afford the uniform pricing structure.
9. What factors have contributed to fans’ criticisms of HYBE’s pricing decisions?
Fans have cited the venue size, expected setlist quality, and lack of affordability as key factors driving their discontent with HYBE’s pricing choices for the concert.
10. How has the announcement of the reunion concert impacted GFRIEND’s fan base?
The pricing announcement has sparked debate and division within GFRIEND’s fan base, with some expressing support for the event despite the high costs, while others have criticized HYBE for what they perceive as greed-driven pricing tactics.
Conclusion
The announcement of GFRIEND’s reunion concert at the Olympic Hall with flat pricing has stirred controversy among fans, who are grappling with the high costs associated with attending the event. Despite the excitement for the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, concerns about the pricing strategy and venue choice have overshadowed the anticipation for the concert. HYBE’s decision to implement uniform ticket pricing has led to criticism and disappointment within GFRIEND’s fan base, raising questions about the company’s priorities and financial motives.