VIP “View” At SEVENTEEN’s Concert Venue Goes Viral—Triggers Fans

1 month ago 26

A $150 view.

4 minutes ago

On October 12, 2024 (KST), SEVENTEEN kicked off the first night of their two-night “[RIGHT HERE] World Tour” at the Goyang Stadium in Goyang City, Korea.

While the setlist of their greatest hits had Carats singing their hearts out all night, some were left wanting more. One Carat, who identified themselves as a “VIP Ticket” holder, tweeted pictures from their seat on X and sought others who shared the same experience.

In the pictures, the main stage is not visible. Even on the screen, only half of SEVENTEEN members can be seen. The Carat claimed, “This is the view from VIP Zone 11 Row 2, sitting down.”

241012 SEVENTEEN’s Goyang Concert: I had the worst experience in VIP Zone 11 Row 2… I would like to hear from other Carats who sat in VIP Zones 12, 13, and 14, rows 1, 2, and 3. Did any of you get to see the main stage sitting down? Please DM or comment, I would like to know your experiences. These pictures are from me sitting in my seat with SEVENTEEN members standing on the main stage. LMAO.

— @boodduya/X

The string of tweets and pictures made it clear that the venue did not plan for the view obstruction and dedicated the zone(s) as “VIP.”

These pictures are from when SEVENTEEN members walked over to the center stage. I was seated. Notice I could only see the members’ heads in front of the screen. How are these VIP zones when the front row Carats can’t see anything because of how high the stage is? Just a heads up for Carats going to the second night of the concert, too…

I would not have bought this seat if it was clarified as a seat with limited view. Who would pay extra for a floor VIP row 2 seat, expecting a view like this? The whole time I was there, I was not having any fun. I wanted my money back.

— @boodduya/X

Given that “VIP” seats are often sold at a steeper price point than regular ones for offering better views and concert experience, the Carat said they would try for a refund after not being able to enjoy the concert at all.

저는 찍어놓은 사진을 모아서 항의해볼 생각입니다…
매번 콘서트 설문조사 하던데 이따구로 무대를 설치해?
멤버들은 우리에게 좋은 시간과 기억을 선물하고 싶다고 하는데
이미 설치된 무대를 낮출 수도 없으니 내가 어떻게 해결할 수 없는 상황에 너무 속상하다못해 눈물이 남

— 뚜야🧡 (@boodduya) October 12, 2024

As soon as the concert started, I knew something was wrong. I could hear the singing and other Carats screaming, but those of us in Rows 1 through 3 were confused. We tried standing up to see, and we realized that the members were all on stage, in formation. So, obviously, we all started getting up one by one. Then, the venue staff came and told us to sit down. We couldn’t see at all, but we were told to sit. So, what were we supposed to do? We tried watching from the screen. But even so, we couldn’t see the bottom half of the screen…

…We basically had to guess what was happening on stage by the sound. At that point, I just wanted to go home. I couldn’t believe I paid extra to get a VIP seat that would play me like this. And I was super frustrated with the venue and production team for setting up the stage like that. Anyway, my point is that VIP Zone 11 Rows 1, 2, and 3 have the worst view. I bet it’s the same for Zones 12, 13, and 14. Sitting down, you cannot see the main stage because of how high the stage is. You can only see the top half of the screen. I want Carats to enjoy the show, but those in the affected zones won’t be able to because they won’t be able to see anything. I’m going to use these pictures to file an official complaint and try for a refund…

— @boodduya/X

When the pictures made their rounds online, K-Pop fans flocked to online communities to express disbelief at the venue for “basically scamming” the Carats of their money.

“Why would they even sell those seats in the first place?”
“They need to start checking the views of the seats they sell after they set up the stage. They charge so much for these seats, too.”
“Why wouldn’t they check beforehand? After taking all the money?”
“They act like they care about their fans, but they’re just after the money.”

“This is insane. I hope Carats get their money back. Why would they not make sure the seats have views? So incompetent.”
“Wow, the tickets were ₩200,000 KRW (about $148 USD)?! With that view?! What a waste of money.”
“Crazy for money, LOL. They’re basically scamming the fans. That’s all they think about.”
“Coldplay is performing there, too. I’m worried that the set up will be similar… My seat is on the second floor, though. Will I have a view…?”

The view, or the lack of it, was not the sole issue that SEVENTEEN’s concert venue faced. Read more about the fire that broke out on stage:

SEVENTEEN Concert Temporarily Suspended As Fire Breaks Out On Stage