Controversy Over 'Celebrity Privileges'
"No Celebrity Invitation Tickets" Explanation
On the 19th, Hyundai Card, the organizer of the concert, announced that it would refund the ticket price to an audience member who claimed that the seat purchased at the U.S. pop star Bruno Mars' concert in Korea was a spot where the stage was not visible.
Recently, a post by an attendee who went to the 'Hyundai Card Super Concert 27 - Bruno Mars' held on the 17th and 18th at Seoul Jamsil Sports Complex was uploaded on an online community, sparking controversy. The post stated, "The seat I purchased was a 'wall view' where the stage and the LED screen were completely blocked by a wall. I want a refund."
In response, Hyundai Card and the concert planning company Live Nation Korea directly confirmed the restricted view of the seat and decided to refund the ticket to the attendee.
Regarding allegations of 'celebrity favoritism' that good seats were provided free of charge to famous celebrities, Hyundai Card explained, "We do not provide invitation tickets to celebrities," adding, "Those who attended either received invitation tickets provided to Bruno Mars' side or purchased tickets through entertainment agencies."
The concert was reportedly attended by numerous stars enjoying the performance, including actor couple Han Ga-in and Yeon Jeong-hoon, singers Lim Young-woong, EXO's Kai, Uhm Jung-hwa, Sandara Park, Song Hye-kyo, Park Jin-young, Jennie, BTS's RM, G-Dragon, Jo Se-ho, Hyolyn, and Sunmi.
Some netizens raised the possibility of 'celebrity favoritism,' questioning whether restricted view seats were sold to general audiences while good seats were provided free to celebrities.
Meanwhile, the total number of attendees over the two days of the concert reached approximately 101,000.
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