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Nitpicking or fair critique? Backlash brews over i-dle Yuqi's concert ticket remarks
Yuqi of K-pop girl group i-dle / Captured from Instagram
By Pyo Kyung-min
Yuqi, a Chinese member of K-pop girl group i-dle, is facing criticism after expressing frustration over having to personally pay for concert tickets to invite acquaintances, drawing attention to sky-high ticket prices in the K-pop industry.
The comment came during an episode Tuesday of the YouTube variety show "Salon Drip 2," in which Yuqi appeared alongside her Thai bandmate Minnie. During the episode, host Jang Do-youn brought up reports that Minnie had spent 10 million won ($7,140) of her own money to invite roughly 100 acquaintances to a concert.
Responding on Minnie's behalf, Yuqi explained that during concerts in Thailand, Minnie's family, friends and other acquaintances are usually seated together in one section.
She then added, "It's our concert, but we have to buy tickets with our own money," explaining that each member receives four complimentary tickets and must pay for any additional ones.
Her remarks, delivered with a hint of frustration, were perceived by some fans as insensitive, considering how difficult it is to secure tickets through competitive sales and the steep prices often involved.
"Does she even understand how hard 'ticketing' is for fans?" one YouTube commenter wrote. Another said, "If you're going to complain about buying tickets for friends, why not just hold a separate free show for them?"
The controversy has touched a nerve amid broader dissatisfaction over the rising cost of K-pop concerts. Ticket costs for top acts have only climbed in recent years, prompting concerns about affordability.
BLACKPINK's upcoming "DEADLINE" concert at Goyang Sports Complex in July has set a record for the most expensive K-pop show to date, with top-tier seats priced at 275,000 won ($196). Other tiers range from 132,000 won to 242,000 won.
G-Dragon's recent solo concert featured tickets priced between 154,000 won and 220,000 won, while Seventeen's concert last October saw prices ranging from 132,000 won to 198,000 won — prices that can be burdensome for students and young professionals who make up much of the K-pop fan base.
Still, some fans defended Yuqi, noting the comment was made in a lighthearted variety show setting. Others described her as an artist who is typically attentive and respectful toward fans.
Following the backlash, the segment containing Yuqi's remark has been edited out of the original video.
Meanwhile, i-dle is set to release its eighth mini album, "We Are," on Monday.