Jin’s Encore Fan Concert Triggers Shockwave
When BTS’s Jin dropped the news of his encore fan concert #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR_ENCORE via Weverse, ARMYs across the globe marked their calendars for October 31 to November 1. The two-day event at the Incheon Munhak Stadium promised a grand finale to a tour that kicked off in June and hit nine cities worldwide—including stops in Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
BIGHIT MUSIC teased fans with a larger-scale production and more intimacy than ever: “We’re responding to the passionate support from ARMY. Expect a stage you can only experience in Incheon,” they said.
Hotels Capitalize—Then Cross the Line
Within hours of Jin’s concert announcement, fans noticed something fishy: local hotels near the venue had suddenly hiked their prices—some by a jaw-dropping 20-fold.
A viral online post titled, “A hotel canceled my confirmed reservation after Jin’s concert news, then raised the price by 20 times,” had fans fuming. One fan shared screenshots proving they had booked a room for just 50,000 KRW (about $37 USD) using a coupon—only to be told by the hotel that the pricing was a “mistake” and the room would now cost 1,075,000 KRW (around $800 USD).
Even after backlash, the hotel adjusted the price to 300,000 KRW—still 2 to 3 times the normal rate.
Fandom Fallout and Familiar Frustrations
Fans traveling from outside Incheon expressed disappointment, saying inflated accommodation costs are pricing them out of the live experience. “We love Jin, but this? It’s robbery,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This isn’t the first time hotel prices have spiked around major K-pop events—but for ARMY, especially those who’d been budgeting for this moment since Jin’s military return, the timing feels extra bitter.
When Music Tourism Meets Price-Gouging
As K-pop concerts become global pilgrimages, local businesses often see a windfall. But this incident raises the question: At what point does smart business turn into opportunism?
With thousands expected to flock to Incheon this fall, fans are calling for transparency and better consumer protection. After all, they’re not just buying a concert ticket—they’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
What’s Next for Jin and ARMY?
Despite the drama, excitement for Jin’s encore concert is still sky-high. And while fans grapple with inflated prices, they’re also holding onto hope that love for their artist will outshine logistical headaches.
One thing’s for sure: come Halloween weekend, Incheon will be glowing purple—hotel rates be damned.
