SEVENTEEN’s Low Ticket Sales Highlight Issues in K-Pop

SEVENTEEN faces backlash over U.S. tour ticket sales and pricing

SEVENTEEN announced their NEW_ world tour starting September 18, hitting cities across Asia and North America. However, controversy exploded after several North American stops booked smaller venues in less typical cities, sparking surprise and criticism.

Ticket sales hit 75.79% sold across nine U.S. shows. The final date in Washington D.C. sold the highest at 86.4%, while Sunrise, Florida lagged at 60.83%. Fans debated whether this signals a lack of U.S. support or is the fault of their management companies, Pledis and HYBE.

Critics highlighted poor tour planning. There were only about nine days between the tour announcement and Carat fanclub ticket sales. Prices were sky-high, ranging from $77 at the cheapest to $542 for VIP. Many shows are in cities that require fans to travel, adding more financial strain.

Fans expressed frustration on Twitter about short notice and rising costs for K-pop concerts:


> “hybe and other kpop companies need to fucking realize that you can’t drop tour announcements two months before the show dates and having ticketing sales the following week after dropping and expect groups to sell out” — @woobooby

“We’ve hit a point in kpop concerts that not only are we out pricing casual fans but hardcore fans as well” — @just_vi_bing

“the thing is, companies are giving fans a week to figure out finances, pto, transportation, etc – for a concert that starts in a month or two. the prices for tickets has also TRIPLED, on top of everything else.” — @lydxing

Despite selling over 75% of tickets, the numbers reflect a worrying trend for K-pop tours that may continue to undermine sell-outs and fan accessibility. Fans continue to place blame on Pledis and HYBE’s handling of the tour logistics and pricing strategy.