The highly anticipated BTS "Arirang" World Tour is facing a wave of criticism from fans worldwide due to exorbitant ticket prices, widespread scalping, and concerns over equitable access. The tour, set to begin on April 9, 2026, in Goyang, South Korea, marks the group's return to live performances after their mandatory military service and is scheduled to span 82 dates across 34 cities in Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.
The skyrocketing cost of tickets has become a major point of contention. In South Korea, ticket prices for the Arirang tour have increased by approximately 20% compared to the group's "Permission to Dance on Stage" event in 2022. The Korea Herald reports that the price of top-tier tickets has surged by 240% since 2018, reaching approximately 110,000 won (USD 76.88).
The situation is further aggravated by rampant ticket scalping. Tickets for the Goyang concerts in April were quickly sold out during fan club pre-sales, leading to a surge in illegal resales. On StubHub, some tickets near the main stage were listed for as high as 10.37 million won (USD 7,000), which is almost 40 times the original price of 264,000 won. Even on local second-hand platforms like Junggonara, tickets were being offered for as much as 900,000 won (USD 629). BTS fans have begun reporting suspected scalpers and are urging the agency and ticketing platforms to take stronger action. Fan communities are calling for stricter identification checks, verification of wristbands, and a full audit of tickets obtained through abnormal queue bypasses to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Ticketmaster has also faced criticism for allegedly withholding ticket prices until the last moment. The platform's support team stated that ticket prices and seating layouts would only be disclosed when tickets go live for purchase. Fans argue that attending a BTS concert requires significant financial planning, including travel, lodging, and time off work, and the lack of advance notice puts them under pressure to make rushed decisions.
The overwhelming demand for tickets has resulted in unprecedented digital queues, with some fans reporting waits of up to 800,000 people. The situation has become so intense that one fan offered to trade 200 Dubai chewy cookies, which are currently popular in Korea, for a concert ticket.
The "Arirang" tour's impact extends beyond the music industry, affecting tourism and local economies. Following the tour announcement, searches for trips to key host cities like Seoul and Busan skyrocketed. However, this surge in demand has also led to hotel price gouging and booking cancellations, particularly in Busan, with the city's government receiving numerous complaints. Hotel providers are allegedly targeting fans with unexpected booking cancellations and significant room-rate increases.
Authorities in Seoul and Busan have launched inspections and "price-friendly" lodging programs to address the accommodation crisis. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has even appealed to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to add more shows in Mexico after the initial dates sold out instantly.
Despite the controversies, the "Arirang" tour has achieved remarkable success, with concerts in South Korea, North America, and Europe selling out within hours. BTS's agency, Big Hit Music, is considering adding encore schedules in several cities, but a tight tour schedule poses a challenge. The tour is in support of BTS's upcoming album, "Arirang," set to release on March 20, 2026.
