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BLACKPINK’s agency YG apologizes over obstructed-view seating at concert

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By Hankookilbo
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
A screen structure at BLACKPINK’s concert blocks the audience’s view of the stage. Captured from an online community

A screen structure at BLACKPINK’s concert blocks the audience’s view of the stage. Captured from an online community

YG Entertainment has issued an apology following complaints about obstructed views during BLACKPINK’s concert held over the weekend in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

“We sincerely apologize for the limited stage visibility experienced by some fans in the N3 section during the BLACKPINK concert last weekend,” the agency said in a statement released Monday.

The controversy arose after BLACKPINK kicked off their new world tour, “DEADLINE,” with concerts held July 5-6 at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium.

After the shows, several concertgoers voiced frustration online, saying their view of the stage was completely blocked by large screen structures despite having purchased standard-price seats.

The issue centered on the N3 section, where seats were sold for 132,000 won ($96) as Category B seats, which were not designated as “obstructed view.”

However, fans in the section reported having an even worse view than those who had purchased the 99,000-won obstructed-view tickets.

YG acknowledged that the company had attempted to enhance the viewing experience in the section by installing additional LED screens to compensate for the poor line of sight caused by a large console setup, but admitted that the measure “unintentionally caused further discomfort.”

“We are currently preparing follow-up measures for those who reported inconvenience regarding the N3 section,” the agency added.

The incident has sparked broader criticism about concert seating transparency and pricing, with fans urging entertainment companies to provide more accurate information at the time of ticketing.

Audience members start to fill the stands at Goyang Sports Complex to watch BLACKPINK’s concert, Sunday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment

Audience members start to fill the stands at Goyang Sports Complex to watch BLACKPINK’s concert, Sunday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment

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.