GIDLE's Minnie and Yuqi Spark Debate Over Concert Ticket Costs

In a recent episode of the web entertainment show Salon Drip 2 (살롱드립2), members of the girl group (여자)아이들, Minnie (민니) and Yuqi (우기), raised eyebrows with their comments about concert invitations. During the episode, which aired on May 13 on the YouTube channel 'Theo', the duo discussed their preparations for a comeback following their full group contract renewal.

The host, comedian Jang Do-yeon (장도연), expressed surprise when she learned that Minnie was inviting 100 friends and family members to the concert at her own expense, spending around 10 million won. Yuqi chimed in, mentioning that there is a 'Minnie Zone' where her school seniors, family, and friends would be seated.

Minnie, who hails from Thailand, explained that she was taking this rare opportunity to invite her loved ones to the concert, saying, "It's only once a year," with a shy smile. However, Yuqi questioned the need for them to pay out of pocket, stating, "It's a good thing to invite people to the concert, but why do we have to use our own money?" Minnie clarified that only four tickets per member are free, and the rest must be covered by them.

Jang Do-yeon empathized with their situation, suggesting they should have included this in their contract negotiations. Minnie and Yuqi sighed, admitting they had forgotten to do so, and joked about including it in their upcoming contract renewal, which still has three years left.

Their comments about concert invitations were seen as a cute anecdote on the show, especially since both members come from countries where opportunities to perform for family and friends are rare. However, it also sparked frustration among K-pop fans, as attending concerts can be a significant challenge due to high ticket prices and fierce competition in the ticketing process, often referred to as 'picketing'. Fans have praised idols who empathize with their struggles by participating in ticketing themselves. Thus, Minnie's and Yuqi's remarks about prioritizing personal invitations over fan access struck a nerve.

Moreover, concerts are not just about the idols; they involve the hard work of numerous staff and the agency, making them vital for both fan interaction and the artists' revenue. This oversight in their comments left some fans feeling disappointed. (여자)아이들 announced their full group contract renewal at the end of last year and are set to make their comeback on May 19.