[The Editors' Verdict] In Performing Arts, Audiences Are More Valuable Than Ticket Prices

Musical Ticket Prices Soar to 190,000 KRW
Rising Labor and Production Costs Inevitable
But Popularizing the Performing Arts Should Come First

"Hasn't everything become more expensive? People say everything except salaries has gone up, but it seems like the performing arts sector is getting hit especially hard."

This was a complaint heard during a recent phone call with the head of a performance planning company. They felt unfairly criticized by articles pointing out that ticket prices for musicals and plays have risen excessively, sparking complaints from audiences.

Since the transition to the COVID-19 endemic phase, ticket prices for musicals and plays have uniformly increased. The highest ticket price for musicals had remained at 150,000 KRW for several years, but recently, performances breaking this ceiling have appeared one after another. The highest ticket price for "The Phantom of the Opera," opening next month on the 25th in Busan, reaches 190,000 KRW. In the theater sector as well, performances exceeding 100,000 KRW have been appearing consecutively, fueling audience dissatisfaction.

It is understandable from the perspective of production companies. Over the past few years, the global supply chain collapsed due to COVID-19, compounded by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, causing severe inflation worldwide. This has led to an overall increase in production costs for performances.

Moreover, the performing arts sector suffered serious damage during the COVID-19 period when performances could not be held. It is said that the company preparing the 190,000 KRW "The Phantom of the Opera" was particularly the hardest hit during the pandemic. A performance industry insider said, "Whenever that company tried to hold a performance during COVID-19, the quarantine level was repeatedly raised, causing cancellations. Although it was a stretch, their difficulties are somewhat understandable."

Ticket price increases for performances are always controversial. This is because musicals, in particular, are generally perceived by the public as an expensive genre. Plays and musicals inherently have structural characteristics that require high labor and maintenance costs. A theater must be available for daily performances, which entails rental fees. Dozens of staff are needed to manage the theater and prepare the stage. Especially for musicals, which emphasize musical elements, costs inevitably increase. Large-scale musical productions often have more than ten musicians, resulting in substantial daily labor costs.

Whenever ticket price controversies arise, there is a repetitive blame game within the performing arts sector. Production companies blame rising theater rental fees, while theaters point to labor costs for actors and staff, revealing conflicting perceptions. It is necessary to collaborate to provide real benefits to audiences. Examples like Broadway, where unsold tickets are offered at heavily discounted prices on the day of the performance, can serve as references. External assistance should be sought if needed. New York City is known to provide tax benefits to the performing arts industry, recognizing the economic impact generated by tourists visiting New York to attend performances.

Professor Won Jong-won of Soonchunhyang University's Department of Performing Arts and Film pointed out, "For performances to establish a more stable foothold, popularization that allows more people to enjoy performances is necessary. If ticket prices keep rising, there is a risk of it becoming a niche culture for enthusiasts."