Everyone gets preferential treatment when they receive a ‘first row invitation letter’? Even top stars have the right to see Bruno Mars

《Kim Jiwon's Kakao Talk》
The story of the day that is open and harsh. TenAsia reporter Kim Ji-Won criticizes entertainment industry issues with a tricky gaze.

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Controversy erupted over the fact that some celebrities received 'special privileges' for the world-renowned pop star Bruno Mars' concert in Korea. Host Hyundai Card explained that there was no separate celebrity invitation. For those who were duly invited, it is a somewhat unfair situation.

On the 17th and 18th, Hyundai Card held a Korean performance by Bruno Mars at Jamsil Olympic Stadium as the 27th performance of Hyundai Card's concert brand 'Super Concert'.

To the extent that the word 'picketing' (ticketing so fierce that blood splattered) came out, this concert in Korea received a lot of attention from the moment the news of the event was announced. G1 seats are 250,000 won, G2 seats are 210,000 won, G3 seats are 165,000 won, P seats are 175,000 won, R seats are 132,000 won, S seats are 99,000 won, and A seats are 77,000 won. differentiated M seats with limited view were sold for 88,000 won and O seats with limited view were sold for 66,000 won. Tickets for 101,000 seats were sold out right after the reservation started.

In this performance, G-Dragon, BTS RM and V, Blackpink Jennie and Rosé, EXO Kai and D.O, The Boyz Juyeon and Jacob, Kevin and Younghoon, Monsta X Hyungwon and Shownu, Red Velvet Seulgi and Yeri, all members of Le Seraphim, Highlight K-pop stars such as Yoseop Yang and Kikwang, GOT7 Youngjae and BamBam, Lovelyz Jisoo and Ryu Sujeong, Sunmi, and Hyorin were captured as spectators. In addition to singer Lim Young-woong, stars such as Song Hye-kyo, Park Jin-young, Park Hyo-shin, Uhm Jung-hwa, Lee Je-hoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Jo Se-ho, and Song Eun-yi, and volleyball player Kim Yeon-kyung were also witnessed. There are many stars who came to the audience as much as Bruno Mars, who is called the 'celebrity of celebrities'. Couples Han Ga-in and Yeon Jung-hoon, Girls' Generation's Soo-young, etc. also posted authentication photos. Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, and Chung Tae-young, vice chairman of Hyundai Card, were also caught talking at the concert hall.

Some raised suspicions that there was a so-called 'invitation privilege', saying that stars monopolized ground standing seats. On the 19th, an official from Hyundai Card said, "Regarding celebrity visits, the seats are reserved for celebrities who have received invitations for acquaintances such as family, friends, musicians, etc. This applies to cases, and Hyundai Card does not invite a separate celebrity."

As it is a rare opportunity to see a world-renowned pop star perform in Korea, it is natural as a fan to want to see the artist's stage in a better place. Stars who are invited to watch performances without 'picketing' are often envied by the audience.

Usually, at concerts, musicals, and movie premieres, performers and staff invite family members and acquaintances to celebrate 'announcements' such as songs and movies. Organizers and producers also invite people around them to watch, appreciate, and enjoy. Those who were invited to this performance did not receive preferential treatment provided by the organizers, but entered the venue with an official invitation. It is not fair to be accused of receiving preferential treatment just because you are a celebrity. They also have the right to enjoy the performance by sitting in the seats designated by the organizers.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr