Controversy broke out belatedly while the world-renowned pop star Bruno Mars' performance in Korea was successfully concluded.
On the 17th and 18th, at the Olympic Main Stadium in Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul, Bruno Mars performed in Korea for the first time in 9 years. The two-day performance ended successfully. However, after the performance, an unexpected controversy arose. It is the suspicion of 'preferential treatment' surrounding celebrity audiences.
Controversy arose as to whether there was a so-called preferential invitation ticket, saying that the place where the stars enjoyed the performance monopolized the ground standing seat. For this performance, G-Dragon, BTS RM/V, Blackpink Jennie/Rosé, EXO Kai/D.O, The Boyz Juyeon/Jacob/Kevin/Younghoon, Monsta X Hyungwon/Shownu, Red Velvet Seulgi/Yeri, Le Seraphim, all members, K-pop stars such as Highlight Yang Yoseop and Lee Kikwang, GOT7 Youngjae and BamBam, Lovelyz Jisoo and Ryu Sujeong, Sunmi, and Hyorin were captured enjoying the performance.
In addition, singer Lim Young-woong, Song Hye-kyo, Park Jin-young, Park Hyo-shin, Um Jung-hwa, Lee Je-hoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Jo Se-ho, and Song Eun-yi, as well as volleyball player Kim Yeon-kyung, were spotted visiting the venue.
Hyundai Card, the organizer of the performance, acknowledged the invitation of some celebrities, but maintained that they sang less than usual.
Also, on the night of the 18th, an online community posted a message asking for a refund for Bruno Mars concert tickets. Writer A said, “I was genuinely stunned when I entered,” and “It was a ‘wall view’ where the stage and display board could not be seen at all.” According to the reservation details posted by Mr. A, he bought two tickets for 61,600 won with a 20% discount on zone A tickets.
In the published photos, the stage and lighting on the right side of the actual seat are hidden by the wall and nothing can be seen. Even the seat is not a seat with restricted view, which is cheaper, but a seat purchased at full price.
It seems that rumors will continue as the audience who did not enjoy the performance and the celebrities who watched comfortably from the front row came out at the same time.
Reporter Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr