BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated world tour concert at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium on July 5 drew thousands of excited fans eager to see the group perform live after a long hiatus.
Tickets sold out rapidly, with fans from all over the globe rushing to secure their spots for what was expected to be an unforgettable show.
However, some attendees left feeling deeply disappointed and frustrated due to a major issue involving their seating arrangements.
Fans seated in the N3 section, who paid roughly 132,000 KRW (about USD 98) for what were sold as general admission tickets, found their view entirely blocked by a massive central screen installed in front of their seats.
Unlike typical restricted view seats, which are usually marked and sold at a discounted rate, these N3 seats were not designated as such and were sold at higher prices than some restricted view options.
This led to widespread dissatisfaction, as fans realized they could not see the stage, performances, or any of the special effects such as fireworks or drones.
Some described the experience on social media as having “zero visibility,” with no chance to enjoy the concert visually.
Online photos circulated showing the obstructed view caused by the large screen, prompting an outcry from the fan community.
Many urged others to file formal complaints with consumer protection agencies and explore possible legal action against the event organizers for misleading ticket sales.
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission states that if visibility issues arise due to the fault of event organizers, ticket holders are entitled to full refunds plus an additional 10% compensation.
The Korea Consumer Agency has supported such measures in the past, particularly when VIP seats were affected by unexpected obstructions.
Adding to the anger was the fact that other restricted view seats were sold for about 99,000 KRW (roughly USD 73), meaning that fans with completely blocked views paid more than those who knowingly purchased limited visibility tickets.
Many questioned the fairness and transparency of the ticket pricing and seating layout, emphasizing that charging full price for a blocked view is unacceptable.
The incident has overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebratory moment for BLACKPINK and their fans, highlighting the importance of clear communication and fair treatment in large-scale events.
Fans continue to call for accountability and better management to ensure that future concerts do not repeat this frustrating experience.
