SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) -South Korean authorities moved quickly to respond to BTS' call for restraint in overcharging the group's beloved global fans traveling to the southern port city of Busan for the next stop on their worldwide tour.
The government has secured more than 1,300 alternative accommodation options ahead of the concerts next month, after the group publicly criticized sharp price hikes around the event.
The measures were announced Thursday at a task force meeting jointly led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to address price gouging around major events.
BTS is scheduled to hold its "ARIRANG" world tour concerts on June 12 and 13 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The shows have triggered complaints from fans after some hotels and other accommodation providers in Busan reportedly raised room rates sharply around the concert dates—with some rooms said to have jumped from under 100,000 won to several million won per night.
During a Weverse Live broadcast on Tuesday, BTS members addressed the controversy while speaking with fans. "There have been too many news reports about lodging businesses ahead of the Busan concerts. I hope businesses do not do that," RM said. "I understand there are peak-season rates, but I hope they keep it reasonable."
RM also said he had heard some fans were considering staying overnight without lodging or using jjimjilbang — Korean public bathhouses with rest areas — because of the high accommodation costs.
"That is not right," he said. "Shouldn't people think long term?"
Jimin also expressed concern, saying he wanted fans to have a good experience in Busan.
"I feel bad because I hope fans can have a good time in Busan," Jimin said. "They should keep it reasonable. How can they raise prices several times over?"
Jungkook, who is from Busan, added in Busan dialect, "Goma haera" — meaning "Enough already."
The controversy prompted President Lee Jae Myung to comment Wednesday that Busan's image had been hurt by complaints over what he called lodging price gouging linked to the BTS concerts, and that improvements were needed, underscoring the weight of the Kpop superstar who recently swept three awards—including their second-ever Artist of the Year trophy—at last week's American Music Awards with their new album ARIRANG just released two months ago.
In response, the government said universities, religious facilities, public-sector training centers and youth training facilities in nearby areas including Busan, Yangsan and Changwon, will provide paid or free lodging for domestic and foreign visitors. Information on available facilities and reservation methods will be posted on the Visit Busan and Visit Korea websites.
Authorities will also conduct special joint inspections of lodging businesses near the concert venue on Friday and again on June 8 and 9. The inspections will focus on hygiene conditions and possible price-fixing among accommodation providers.
Businesses found to have violated regulations could face immediate administrative measures, including correction orders or business suspensions.
Complaints filed through the 120 local call center or the 1330 tourist complaint center will be referred to local governments and subsequently to the National Tax Service for possible investigation into tax evasion.
Accommodation providers confirmed to have engaged in excessive pricing will also face tougher penalties in hotel rating evaluations, with the maximum deduction raised to 30 points from the current 10.
The government also plans to revise rules on reward payments for reports of unfair practices, including collusion. Under the planned changes, the current payment cap would be removed, and whistleblowers could receive up to 10 percent of the fines imposed.
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