Seoul concert dates for the popular K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE are facing unexpectedly low ticket sales, sparking concern among fans and raising questions about the group’s recent trajectory. While (G)I-DLE’s previous Seoul concerts have historically sold out quickly, a significant number of tickets remain available for their upcoming “Syncopation” world tour stops on and .
The issue came to light when a fan shared a photo on social media depicting the availability of seats on the second floor of the venue for both concert dates. The post quickly gained traction, with fans expressing disappointment and questioning Cube Entertainment’s handling of the ticket sales. “Does Cube really feel nothing seeing this? Is this seriously the time to be selling those?” one fan wrote, as translated from Korean.
The timing of the ticket sales struggles is particularly sensitive, coinciding with the release of a new version of the group’s lightstick. Fans have criticized the company for prioritizing merchandise sales over addressing the lack of demand for concert tickets, viewing it as a misstep in prioritizing revenue over fan engagement. “Cube really thought they could anger K-nevies repeatedly with no consequences,” one user commented on social media.
The situation isn’t solely attributed to mismanagement, however. Several observers point to a decline in fan support following the reception of (G)I-DLE’s previous release, “Good Thing.” The perceived lack of quality in that project appears to have impacted the group’s overall momentum, contributing to the current ticket sales challenges. As one social media user noted, the success of the upcoming album will be crucial in regaining fan trust and enthusiasm.
This situation echoes a broader trend within the K-pop industry, where securing concert tickets has become increasingly competitive and expensive. The difficulties faced by (G)I-DLE highlight the delicate balance between artist popularity, company strategy, and fan expectations. The high cost of tickets and the often-frustrating ticketing processes have been a source of ongoing frustration for fans, and this latest instance is fueling further discontent.
Adding another layer to the conversation, recent comments made by (G)I-DLE member Yuqi on the YouTube show “Salon Drip 2” have drawn criticism. Yuqi discussed the financial burden of providing complimentary tickets to her acquaintances during concerts in Thailand, stating that she and her bandmates are only allocated four free tickets each and must purchase additional tickets at their own expense. “When we perform in Thailand, all of Minnie’s family, friends, school seniors and juniors, and classmates gather in one place. It’s our concert, but we still have to buy the tickets with our own money, and I just don’t get that,” Yuqi said.
While intended as a lighthearted observation, Yuqi’s remarks were perceived by some as tone-deaf, given the difficulties fans face in obtaining tickets. Online reactions ranged from questioning Yuqi’s understanding of the ticketing process to expressing frustration over the perceived entitlement of artists requesting complimentary seats. “Does she even understand how hard ‘ticketing’ is for fans?” one commenter wrote. Others questioned the fairness of artists receiving any free tickets when fans struggle to secure them.
The controversy surrounding Yuqi’s comments underscores the growing scrutiny of K-pop artists and their relationship with their fan base. The expectation that artists remain relatable and understanding of fan struggles is high, and even seemingly innocuous remarks can be interpreted as insensitive or out of touch. The incident also highlights the financial realities of K-pop concerts, where artists and their agencies often rely on ticket sales and merchandise revenue to offset production costs and generate profit.
The situation with (G)I-DLE’s concert tickets and Yuqi’s comments comes amidst a broader conversation about the rising costs of K-pop concerts. BLACKPINK’s upcoming concert in July, with top-tier seats priced at 275,000 won (approximately $196 USD), has set a new record for the most expensive K-pop show to date, further fueling concerns about affordability and accessibility. The increasing financial barrier to attending concerts is prompting fans to question the sustainability of the current K-pop business model.
Cube Entertainment has not yet publicly addressed the concerns regarding the unsold concert tickets or Yuqi’s comments. The company’s response, or lack thereof, will likely play a significant role in shaping public perception and determining the future trajectory of (G)I-DLE’s relationship with its fans. The upcoming album release will be a critical test of the group’s ability to regain momentum and reconnect with its audience.
