“Solely looting people in the name of entertainment”— Fans outraged over HYBE’s pricing for BTS’ j-hope’s 2025 tour tickets for international audience

International fans of BTS member j-hope have voiced dissatisfaction with the pricing strategy for his 2025 HOPE ON THE STAGE solo tour, labeling it exploitative. On January 23, 2025, social media erupted with complaints about the sharp disparity in ticket costs between regions, particularly for the US leg of the tour.

While initial prices seemed reasonable, fans were taken aback by sudden increases. Some tickets, excluding VIP packages, climbed to nearly $1,000. This stark contrast was especially jarring compared to South Korea, where ticket prices were significantly lower.

Fans rushed to social media to blame the label because of its dynamic pricing system and the difference in the prices.

"concerts should be accessible and priced in a way that people don’t have to sell their kidneys to see an artist man idk that’s the least consumers can ask for and that company is solely looting people in the name of entertainment," an X user wrote.

Comments from fans of j-hope highlight their frustration, with some accusing HYBE of prioritizing profits over accessibility.

"jhope ticket prices are nearly ONE THOUSAND USD???? that is crazy why are they almost 5x the amount as the tickets for the seoul concert hybe you are HORRIBLE," an X user wrote.

"how are you charging $150 in korea but $800+ in the states… this is a sick joke," a fan remarked.

"i’m seriously so pissed off about jhope tour prices. i’m tired of western fans getting outrageous prices when others got tickets for wayyyy less. like wdym seoul fans got $200 vip tickets and ours are up to $1k NOT including vip ?," anther netizen mentioned.

"hybe. you had one job. book bigger venues and lower ticket prices. you’re 0/2 there," a fan commented.

Many further blamed the ticketing websites including Ticketmaster for the surge in prices for the j-hope's tour.

"if yall are mad about western ticket prices you need to take that up with ticketmaster and live nation who have successfully created a monopoly so they can set prices this high. it is not the artists fault," another user added.

"Tickermaster charging a 125 usd FEE IS CRAZY!?!?! also why are there no competitors in the concert tickets game?????? I need ticketmaster to crumble," an X user wrote.

"I’m not in the US but I genuinely feel for army that have to deal with Ticketmaster rn, not only the demand and prices are so high, that ticketing platform is shady af…," a netizen remarked.

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More about BTS' j-hope's upcoming tour and HYBE's dynamic pricing system

The controversy stems from HYBE’s adoption of dynamic pricing, a model in which ticket costs fluctuate based on demand, mirroring systems used by Ticketmaster. While this approach aims to limit scalpers and redirect profits to artists, many fans are frustrated by the lack of price transparency.

J-hope's tour, his first solo endeavor after military service, will start with three performances in Seoul from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Then, it will travel to Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

The US shows, beginning in Brooklyn on March 13 and concluding in Los Angeles on April 6, will mark a historic moment for j-hope, as he becomes the first Korean soloist to headline a stadium in the US. Despite the excitement surrounding j-hope's performances, the ticketing controversy has dampened the mood for many.

HYBE defended dynamic pricing during an investor meeting, asserting that it ensures artists receive fair compensation while combating ticket scalping. However, fans are calling for more equitable practices, with some proposing a return to lottery systems or greater transparency in ticket pricing.

This backlash is reminiscent of controversies involving Ticketmaster, whose pricing model has been a point of contention for concertgoers worldwide.

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Amid the uproar, j-hope remains focused on his preparations, having teased new music set to release in March. The tour promises to showcase j-hope's artistry and mark a significant milestone in his career, yet the pricing debate underscores broader challenges in balancing profitability with fan accessibility.