Korean fans join frenzy as Oasis reunion concert tickets soar to 10 million won
Oasis, the iconic British rock band known for their hits and influence on generations / Courtesy of Sony Music Korea
Yoon Lee-kyung, a 23-year-old university student, expressed her frustration after failing to secure a ticket for the British rock band Oasis' reunion concert at Wembley Stadium, saying, "I feel like crying."
She had been eagerly longing to experience the band live at the iconic venue, considering it a rare opportunity.
"To our generation, liking Taylor Swift or Ariana Grande isn't that cool. Saying you like bands like Oasis or Radiohead makes you seem more hip," Yoon said. "Noel Gallagher's free-spirited attitude and critical remarks feel refreshing and cool."
Choi Min-ah, 24, another collegian, was drawn to British bands through Coldplay songs she often heard on TV during middle school and eventually became an Oasis fan.
"Until last week's reunion announcement, I never thought I'd see them perform live, which made me even more eager to watch their concert videos," Choi said.
'Dad Rock' popular among Gen Zers
After 15 years of resolving their feud, the Gallagher brothers' reunion as Oasis has electrified fans worldwide, especially among those in their 20s and 30s.
While Oasis is often categorized as "Dad Rock" (classic rock listened to primarily by middle-aged men) overseas, they enjoy significant popularity among young people in Korea.
On the first day of ticket sales for Oasis' U.K. and Ireland tour starting next July, more than 10 million people visited Ticketmaster on Sept. 1.
Tickets for the London Wembley concert reached as high as 6,000 pounds (about 10 million won) on resale platforms.
Due to Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing model, which raises prices based on demand, even seats far from the stage soared to around 1 million won ($750).
There were reports of fans buying tickets for 135 pounds (about 240,000 won) while others paid 350 pounds for seats in the same section.
In response, the British Labour government has announced plans to investigate whether Ticketmaster's sales practices are fair.
Despite the uproar, tickets for the U.K. and Ireland tour sold out completely. Fans who managed to secure tickets have already started preparing for their trips to the U.K.
Park Joon-young, 27, a university student on leave, said, "I bought a ticket for Wembley Stadium on July 26 next year for 496 pounds. You never know when Oasis might break up again, so I just decided to go."
Noel, left, and Liam Gallagher, the brothers who fronted Oasis, the band that defined the 1990s and 2000s music scene / Courtesy of Cinelux
Oasis craze driven by fans in their 20s
The Oasis craze in South Korea is primarily driven by fans in their 20s. For example, ticket buyers in their 20s made up 57.9 percent of the audience for Noel Gallagher's concert in Korea in last July, with those in their 30s following at 16.9 percent.
Surprisingly, fans in their 40s, who were in their teens and 20s during Oasis's heyday, accounted for only 7.1 percent, even less than the teenage audience (14.1 percent).
Oasis has a large repertoire of easily singable hits like "Wonderwall," "Don't Look Back in Anger" and "Live Forever."
The Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, are also known for their honest, rough and controversial remarks and frequent sibling quarrels, which have made them intriguing to fans.
Their fame has been further amplified by many Korean artists, including Baek Ye-rin, Jannabi, BTS' Jungkook, DAY6's Young K, BLACKPINK's Rose and Lee Seung-yoon, who have covered their songs.
A fan takes a photo against the backdrop of newly unveiled Oasis street art on a street in Manchester, the hometown of Noel and Liam Gallagher, the two core members of the British rock band Oasis. AFP-Yonhap
The excitement for Oasis among younger generations is a global phenomenon. On Aug. 30, British music magazine NME published an article titled "How Oasis Won Over Generation Z," featuring comments from young British fans such as "Oasis' music brings together different generations" and "Oasis is a true legacy not limited to a specific generation."
As the possibility of an Oasis concert in Korea remains undecided, interest in the band is expected to grow even further.
Kim Do-heon, a popular music critic, said, "Oasis is like a first love to rock enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s in Korea."
Members of British rock band Oasis pose for photos ahead of a concert in Hong Kong, Feb. 25, 2006. From left are Gem Archer, Noel Gallagher, Andy Bell and Liam Gallagher. AP-Yonhap
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.