"I Saw Their Teeth Break"...Standing at Concerts in Dizzily High 15 cm Platform Shoes

Spread of 7-15 cm Platform Shoes in Standing Sections
Rising Concerns Over Blocked Views and Risk of Injury

Recently, controversy has been growing as more audience members in K-pop concert standing sections are wearing so-called "standing shoes" with very high soles. Critics point out that these shoes can block other people’s view and increase the risk of injury.

15cm standing shoes available for rent on social networking services. X

In recent days, online communities and social networking services (SNS) have been flooded with reviews from people who wore standing shoes in standing sections to secure a better view. Standing shoes generally refer to platform-style sneakers or sports shoes with soles about 7 to 15 cm high.

They are often chosen by shorter audience members who find it difficult to see the stage because people in front block their view. In fact, services that rent out standing shoes via SNS have also appeared.

The problem is that safety concerns are growing as many audience members simultaneously wear shoes with heels of around 10 cm. In a narrow and crowded space, if someone loses their balance, it can affect the people around them as well. Online posts include comments such as, "I saw someone fall forward and hit the floor so hard their teeth broke," and "I was jumping in high shoes and my toenail came off."

There are also concerns that high soles can further increase instability in situations where there is frequent jumping or movement during performances. Some internet users have expressed worries, saying, "It seems extremely inconsiderate," and "You are not the only one who gets hurt; if you fall in a crowded situation, it can lead to a major accident."

Since standing sections are designed so that audience members are packed closely together, there are concerns that the higher the soles of the shoes worn by those in front, the more they can block the view of those behind. One internet user pointed out, "If everyone gets higher, in the end no one can see well," and criticized, "Wearing shoes that are too high is inconsiderate."