BTS Concert in Busan: Late-Night Movie Theaters Offer Alternative to Accommodation Shortage

As BTS prepares for its concert in Busan, late-night movie theaters have emerged as a solution to the accommodation shortage. To assist fans who may struggle with travel or lodging after the show, cinemas are offering overnight screenings and rest programs. With major K-pop events boosting tourism, theaters are expanding their roles to accommodate post-concert needs.

The "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN BUSAN" kicks off on June 12 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, with CGV and Lotte Cinema launching late-night screening programs aimed at domestic and international fans attending the concert. The theaters will remain open after the show to provide a safe space for fans to relax and enjoy content.

Concerns about accommodation shortages in Busan arose ahead of the concert, with reports of some lodging facilities significantly raising prices or unilaterally canceling reservations. In response, the government and Busan city officials are working to secure alternative accommodations and improve transportation options, while late-night screenings at nearby cinemas have emerged as a viable solution.

Lotte Cinema will host a special late-night screening event titled "PURPLE NIGHT IN BUSAN" on June 12 and 13 at its Busan headquarters in Busanjin-gu. Starting at midnight, three films will be screened: "The Lamb in the Box," "Disclosure Day," and "Goonch (subtitled version)." After the screenings, fans can relax in recliner seats until 7 a.m. the following morning. Purple earplugs and heated eye masks will be provided as welcome gifts. This initiative emphasizes not just movie viewing but also relaxation.

A Lotte Cinema representative stated, "We planned this late-night screening to ensure that fans visiting Busan for the BTS concert can stay comfortably. By utilizing the theater's cozy infrastructure, we aim to provide practical convenience while creating a meaningful time for fans to gather and share the concert experience."
CGV will also conduct its "All Movie Night" project during the same period at CGV Asiad, located about a 10-minute walk from the concert venue. Following the concert, three screening rooms will operate in a continuous viewing format, with additional rooms opened based on ticket demand.

The programming takes into account the fandom and international audience. In one screening room, CGV will show the remastered versions of "2019 BTS WORLD TOUR 'LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF' LONDON" and "2017 BTS LIVE TRILOGY EPISODE III WINGS TOUR THE FINAL." In another room, Steven Spielberg's sci-fi film "Disclosure Day" and Yeon Sang-ho's zombie film "Goonch (subtitled version)" will be screened, while the third room will feature "Goonch (subtitled version)" and the horror film "Backroom" by 20th Century Studios. The selection includes genre films and subtitled screenings to enhance accessibility for foreign audiences.

CJ CGV's Jang Ji-yeon, head of content operations, remarked, "We created this continuous screening project to ensure that audiences traveling to Busan from across the country and abroad can stay safely and comfortably. We hope this will be a special experience that allows them to continue enjoying the emotions of the concert while exploring diverse content at K-theaters."

The initiatives from both theaters not only address the late-night stay demand from concertgoers but also represent a new spatial experiment for the cinema industry. Following the rise of OTT platforms, theaters have faced challenges such as declining audiences and stagnant box office revenues. Consequently, the industry has expanded its use of space beyond film screenings to include live concert broadcasts, fan meetings, sports events, and experiential activities. The programs linked to the BTS concert are part of this trend, demonstrating that theaters can function as supplementary spaces for large events and as part of the local tourism infrastructure.

Notably, this program stands out for integrating concert experiences, theater content, and rest needs. While previous late-night screenings focused solely on film viewing, this initiative incorporates the time fans spend in the theater after the concert before their next move. It provides a safe space for fans while generating revenue during off-peak hours for theaters. This shift reflects a trend of theaters evolving from mere viewing spaces to places where audiences can linger.

From a local perspective, this is significant. Major K-pop concerts no longer end within the confines of the venue. Fans travel, dine, stay, and consume related content before and after the show. As concerts drive tourism demand across the city, the infrastructure to accommodate this demand has become increasingly important. Late-night operations at theaters can complement the nighttime stay needs that cannot be met solely by lodging facilities and transportation networks.

However, it remains to be seen whether this will be a one-time phenomenon or evolve into a sustainable business model for theaters. While models relying on specific fandoms and large events can be effective when demand is clear, expanding to regular operations will require support in programming, safety management, rest environments, and connections to local transportation.

Nonetheless, this case illustrates the changing role of theaters. The late-night screenings opened in response to the BTS concert serve as a temporary solution to the accommodation shortage while also experimenting with how theaters can absorb time after events. As major K-pop concerts expand into tourism demand, theaters are broadening their roles to accommodate not just screenings but also relaxation, experiences, and nighttime stays.