AKMU VIP ticket holders demand refunds over poor visibility in Gangneung

Spectators at the Gangneung Speed Skating Arena on the 7th have called for refunds after floor VIP seats, priced at 176,000 won, offered views comparable to restricted view seats due to the venue's lack of tiered seating.

Complaints regarding visibility have been raised by some floor VIP seat spectators following the "2026 AKMU Concert: Paradise of Rumors" held at the Gangneung Speed Skating Arena on the 7th. Spectators lamented that despite paying the highest prices, they could not properly see the stage, with some noting that when the person in front stood up, even the screen became invisible. Calls for refunds have also emerged.

The floor VIP seats for the Gangneung performance were priced at 176,000 won, which was 22,000 won more expensive than the official restricted view seats (154,000 won). Some VIP attendees claimed the view was comparable to that of the restricted view seats.

Lee Chan-hyuk served as the general director for this performance. During the broadcast of MBC's "Omniscient Interfering View" on the 31st of last month, Lee Chan-hyuk was introduced as a master of detail, showing him running a "detail room" during rehearsals to personally inspect and confirm corrections for stage rocks, dancer costumes, and props. The Seoul KSPO DOME performance drew approximately 30,000 spectators and received praise for its 360-degree donut-shaped stage.

However, some points have been raised that it is difficult to place the responsibility for seat arrangement and on-site operations solely on the general director, due to structural limitations arising from using the Speed Skating Arena, which lacks tiered seating.

The tour will continue starting from Daegu EXCO on the 21st and 22nd, followed by Daejeon, Busan BEXCO, and Gwangju Kimdaejung Convention Center. The encore performances next January will be held at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1, Halls 3 and 4.

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