Kim Seok Joong, the older brother of BTS member Jin, took to Instagram to address the speculation surrounding his acquisition of tickets for the Bruno Mars concert in Seoul. He expressed his regret for the misunderstandings that had arisen and assured his followers that he did not receive the tickets through any family connections. In an official statement, he clarified that he had received a transferable invitation ticket from an acquaintance who couldn’t attend the show due to personal reasons. Kim Seok Joong sincerely apologized for any secondary damage caused and stated that he did not anticipate the situation would escalate to such proportions.
Jin’s brother was at the Bruno mars concert. 😭😭 glad he’s enjoying alone time with his wife after marriage and having a son. 💜💜 pic.twitter.com/SjajdCk4Mv
— #taketwo 😈 아포방포 ♡⁷ (@tkfrvr1) June 18, 2023
Controversy Over K-Celebrities’ Seating
Following the Bruno Mars concert, a significant number of renowned K-pop artists and actors were in attendance. However, this led to netizens raising questions about the seating arrangements of these Korean celebrities. Concerns were expressed regarding the front-row seats or proximity to the stage enjoyed by many K-pop idols. Disappointment and sadness were voiced by Korean netizens, as they believed these seating privileges were a result of industry connections and celebrity favoritism. The organizers faced blame for the situation, but they denied extending separate invitations to celebrities. They clarified that if the attendance was due to a Hyundai Card invitation given by family members, friends, or acquaintances, it would be considered a different case.
Song Hye Kyo and Youngjae’s Clarifications
Amidst the controversy surrounding the ticket acquisitions for the Bruno Mars concert, actress Song Hye Kyo and GOT7’s Youngjae stepped forward to clarify their own situations. Song Hye Kyo, known for her role in the drama “Glory,” stated that she did not receive any special treatment or privileges in obtaining her ticket. Youngjae, a member of the K-pop group GOT7, even shared the details of his ticket purchase, revealing that he had paid 162,000 KRW, including shipping fees. Their statements aimed to provide transparency and alleviate any concerns regarding their attendance at the concert.