Fans Disappointed After Spending Big for Brief Meeting with SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and The8
At a September event for a brand SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and The8 represent, lucky customers were promised a chance to meet the idols. Many wealthy fans spent significantly for this opportunity.
However, fans only had 9 minutes with Jeonghan and The8, and the promised special video was not shown. The event’s layout also restricted visibility, contrary to the usual setup that offers 30 minutes to an hour for high spenders.
The group spent 63 million won (approx 47,250 USD) for just a brief distant viewing, which upset fans, especially since it was Jeonghan’s last appearance before enlisting. Both members struggled to greet fans, increasing their distress.
For over a month, affected fans have demanded compensation on social media. The organizing brand has acknowledged its mistakes and promised compensation, but no specific response has been given. Fans feel cheated, and with Jeonghan now enlisted, the event cannot be rescheduled, leaving them feeling their investment was wasted.
This incident highlights the darker side of idol culture, where third parties exploit fans. It’s often hard to determine responsibility, leading to fan losses.
Recently, SEVENTEEN remains a highly successful 3rd generation boy group, maintaining a rookie-level comeback frequency and recently releasing their 12th mini album, “Spill The Feels”. They sold 3.1 million albums in the first week of their comeback, breaking K-pop sales records for two years. Their dedicated fandom plays a significant role in this success.
Additionally, their concerts frequently sell out. In May 2024, SEVENTEEN filled Nissan Stadium in Japan, attracting over 140,000 attendees. Their “Follow” tour in Asia generated over 1 million USD, explaining why fans would spend significant amounts to meet their idols.
Source: K14