On October 12, 2024 (KST), SEVENTEEN kicked off the first of their two evenings”[RIGHT HERE] World Tour” at Goyang Stadium in Goyang City, Korea.
While their greatest hits setlist had Carats singing their hearts out all night, some wanted more. One Carat, who identified himself as the “VIP ticket” holder, tweeted photos from his seat X and I looked for others who shared the same experience.
In the images the main stage is not visible. Even on screen you only see half of the SIXTEEN members. The Carat stated: “This is the view from VIP area 11 row 2, seated.”
SEVENTEEN concert in Goyang on 241012: I had the worst experience in VIP area 11 row 2… I would like to hear from the other Carats who were seated in VIP areas 12, 13 and 14, rows 1, 2 and 3. Any of you received to see the main stage sitting? Please DM or comment, I’d love to hear about your experiences. These photos are of me sitting in my seat with the SEVENTEEN members standing on the main stage. LMAO.
— @boodduya/X
The series of tweets and images made it clear that the venue had not anticipated obstruction of the view and dedicated the area or areas as “VIP”.
These photos are from when the members of SEVENTEEN approached the center of the stage. I was sitting. Note that I could only see the heads of the members in front of the screen. What are these VIP areas like when the Carats in the front row can’t see anything due to the height of the stage? Just a warning for Carats who will also participate in the second evening of the concert…
I would not have purchased this place if it had been made clear as a limited view seat. Who would pay extra for a VIP seat in row 2 of the floor, expecting a view like this? The whole time I was there, I didn’t enjoy it at all. I wanted my money back.
— @boodduya/X
Since “VIP” seats are often sold at a higher price than regular seats to provide a better view and concert experience, Carat said they would attempt a refund if they were unable to enjoy the concert at all.
I’m thinking of collecting the photos I took and protesting…
They do a survey every time they go to a concert, but why do they set up a stage like this?
Members say they want to give us good times and memories.
Not being able to lower the stage already set up, I am so upset that I cannot resolve the situation, I am in tears.— Duya🧡 (@boodduya) October 12, 2024
As soon as the concert started, I knew something was wrong. I could hear the singing and shouting of the other Carats, but those of us in rows 1 to 3 were confused. We tried to get up to see, and we realized that the members were all on stage, in formation. Then, of course, we all started getting up one by one. Then, the venue staff came and told us to sit down. We couldn’t see at all, but were told to sit down. So, what were we supposed to do? We tried watching from the screen. But even so, we couldn’t see the bottom half of the screen…
… We basically had to guess what was happening on stage by the sound. At that point I just wanted to go home. I couldn’t believe I paid extra to get a VIP seat that would play me like this. And I was very frustrated with the venue and the production team for setting the stage the way they did. Anyway, the point is that rows 1, 2 and 3 of VIP area 11 have the worst view. I bet it’s the same for zones 12, 13 and 14. Sitting, you can’t see the main stage because of how high it is. You can only see the top half of the screen. I want Carats to enjoy the show, but those in the affected areas won’t be able to because they won’t be able to see anything. I will use these images to file an official complaint and attempt to get a refund…
— @boodduya/X
As the photos made the rounds online, K-Pop fans flocked to online communities to express disbelief at the event’s location. “Basically a scam” carats of their money.
- “Why would they sell those seats?”
- “They need to start checking the views of the seats they sell after they set up the stage. They charge so much for these places too.
- “Why wouldn’t they check beforehand? After taking all the money?”
- “They act like they care about their fans, but really they’re just after the money.”
- “This is crazy. I hope Carats gets his money back. Why wouldn’t they make sure the seats have a view? So incompetent.”
- “Wow, the tickets were ₩200,000 KRW (about $148 USD)?! With what view?! What a waste of money.”
- “Mad about money, LOL. They’re basically scamming the fans. That’s all they think about.
- “Coldplay he also performs there. I’m afraid that the setup will be similar… My place, however, is on the second floor. Will I have a view…?”
Views, or lack thereof, weren’t the only issue SEVENTEEN’s concert hall faced. More information about the fire that broke out on stage:
SICISETTE concert temporarily suspended because a fire breaks out on the stage