BTS fans are criticizing Busan accommodations for alleged price gouging ahead of the group’s concerts, with room rates spiking sharply and prompting official inspections.
BTS will hold concerts in Busan on June 12 and 13 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour. One room typically costing 60,000 won per night reportedly spiked to 760,000 won during the concert period.
The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency said they checked 135 Busan hotels and motels, finding average concert-week room rates more than doubled compared to the weekends before and after the event. Motel rates more than tripled from normal levels, while hotel rates nearly tripled.
Fans criticized the accommodations for excessive rate hikes and reported cancellations of existing reservations. Some fans discussed boycotting local spending. The city launched joint inspections focusing on possible violations of the Public Health Control Act.