Controversy Over Admission Tickets for Autumn Music Festival 'Grand Mint Festival'
The organizer of the representative autumn music festival, 'Grand Mint Festival,' has sparked an unexpected controversy by announcing that they are discussing the introduction of priority admission tickets.
On the 7th, Mint Paper, the organizer of the festival, stated in a notice titled 'GMF2024 Priority Admission Ticket Introduction Notice,' "As the fandoms of the festival's performing artists grow and the desire to watch the performances from closer to the artists increases, the overnight waiting phenomenon is intensifying due to the festival's nature of operating with general admission seating."
They continued, "This has led to various unforeseen problems, including conflicts between the organizers and the venue, difficulties in work progress, and disputes among the audience," adding, "Among these, the biggest issue is the increasing number of audience members experiencing health problems during the performance due to extended outdoor waiting."
Mint Paper explained, "For quite some time, many people have suggested a priority admission ticket system with assigned entry numbers, but there was hesitation due to the festival's principle of prioritizing autonomy and the burden of changing the long-standing existing method." "However, recently, some festivals have separately sold fast-track tickets, and we heard that the Japanese festival Summer Sonic introduced a priority admission ticket system for the first time this year. Therefore, we thought it might be time for the Grand Mint Festival to explore more proactive measures, leading to the discussion of the 'priority admission ticket' system."
Mint Paper announced that if priority admission tickets are introduced, they plan to allow additional purchases for ticket holders after the final lineup announcement, considering a ticket price increase of around 20%.
However, they added, "This is the main content discussed so far and is not 100% finalized."
Netizens' opinions were divided. Some expressed negative reactions on online communities, saying, "Are they trying to make more money with priority admission tickets?", "Every year, they sell more tickets, making the standing zone and picnic zone overcrowded and uncomfortable for watching performances," "The problem arises because too many people are allowed into a limited space," and "I don't think this will eliminate overnight waiting."
On the other hand, some comments were, "Isn't this similar to Lotte World Magic Pass?", "Japanese Summer Sonic and the UK's Glastonbury also sell premium tickets offering front-row privileges," and "A 20% increase for priority admission tickets seems very cheap."
Meanwhile, the Grand Mint Festival is scheduled to be held at Olympic Park from October 26-27 and November 2-3.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
