Fans criticized HYBE for neglecting wheelchair-bound concert-goers in the upcoming SEVENTEEN concert
3 min read
SEVENTEEN, photo courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
Fans have once again directed their anger at HYBE. SEVENTEEN, an idol group, just announced their live performance, BE THE SUN. On June 25 and 26, 2022, the concert will be hosted in the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Unfortunately, when the ticketing regulations and instructions were revealed, fans discovered that there was a lack of information and care for wheelchair users.
Ticketing is a battleground for most popular concerts, including SEVENTEEN’s. Users are only permitted to purchase one ticket per day, and members of the fan club are given preferential entrance. For South Korean performances, it is standard procedure to designate special spaces or seats for persons in wheelchairs, with their guardians receiving an adjacent seat. The rules for wheelchair-bound supporters were not provided by BE THE SUN. When asked about its procedures, the corporation issued a comment.
[NOTICE] SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [BE THE SUN] – SEOUL 오프라인 공연 상세 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)
— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 17, 2022
https://t.co/V4HHpY2NGG pic.twitter.com/h6uRhbqUVZ
Fans have chastised HYBE for failing to accommodate wheelchair-bound concertgoers at the next SEVENTEEN show
The agency issued a statement in response to fan criticism and questions about its rules.
According to the statement, all concertgoers will have to book tickets through online reservations, and concertgoers who require a wheelchair seat can call the customer care center after making a booking and we will replace it with a wheelchair seat. Despite the fact that the same criteria apply to their companions, we’ll make preparations to make it as convenient as possible even without one. During entry and exit, the staff will assist them. Staff will also be accessible within the concert hall to ensure that they are not inconvenienced.
Wheelchair users can purchase tickets through a ticketing agent
Pledis Entertainment noted that all concertgoers must utilize online reservations to acquire tickets, but those in wheelchairs may purchase a wheelchair seat through a ticketing agent. Guardians will be accommodated, but even without one, the label stated that employees will be on hand to assist attendees at the music venue.
Fans, however, believe it is doubtful that the wheelchair-bound visitors’ guardians will be able to obtain a ticket. According to one mother, “HYBE labelmates are a favorite of my wheelchair-bound daughter. It’s not like the Gocheok Dome lacks wheelchair accessibility. I’m not sure why they have to operate these perfectly good seats in such a fussy manner.”
Several fans have criticized the agency, while others have mixed feelings about the company’s overall management.
According to one fan, Hybe messes up everything. “TXT concert? There aren’t enough large venues.
Seventeen shows? Fans in wheelchairs, as well as those accompanying them, must purchase tickets or risk having their tickets canceled.”
Hybe just screws everything… TXT concert? Not enough big venue.
— getawaystupid (@dapse_harendra) May 20, 2022
Seventeen concert? The handicapped fans on wheelchair as well as the one accompanying them, both needs to buy ticket or lese their ticket will get cancelled.
Dispatch is looking into KBS’s Music Bank rigging scores for lesser film, no wheelchair choices for seventeen gigs, and evident fan anger, said to another fan. Garam is currently on hiatus. “Hybe needs an astrologer or something, cause they are not doing good with the current management. lol”
Dispatch looking into KBS’s Music Bank rigged scores for lesserafim, no wheelchair options for seventeen concerts and obvious backlash from fans, garam in hiatus, like..dude… Hybe needs an astrologer or something, cause they are not doing good with the current management. lol
— Aestrea 𝄞 (relatively back :D) (@singlelilith) May 20, 2022
Another person stated that the reason it’s plainly tied to hybe is that svt never had issues with wheelchair chairs prior to the acquisition. The fact that the problem emerged only after the acquisition demonstrates how it is linked to the acquiring firm.
The reason why it's obviously related to hybe is before the acquisition, svt never had issues with the wheelchair seats. The fact the issue only occurred after the acquisition just goes to show how it's related to the acquiring company.
— Lana (@Lana16219638) May 20, 2022
Source: SportsKeeda
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Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
