[G]I-DLE’s Yuqi Sparks Backlash over Concert Ticket Complaints

 

On a recent episode of the YouTube show TEO, [G]I-DLE member Yuqi shared her frustration over having to purchase concert tickets with her own money to invite friends and acquaintances. She noted that each member receives only four complimentary tickets per show, and any additional ones must be paid for personally.

Yuqi said she spent over 10 million KRW to invite around 100 people to a recent concert in Thailand, including friends, family, and school alumni. She questioned why artists had to pay for tickets to their own concerts and jokingly expressed regret for not negotiating this in her contract.

However, the public didn’t find the comment amusing. The backlash was swift, especially from fans who pay out of pocket to attend concerts. Many criticized her for lacking awareness about the business side of concert production and for seeming entitled.


Korean Reactions: “Fans pay. You should too.”

Korean netizens voiced strong disapproval of Yuqi’s remarks. Many felt she failed to appreciate the production costs of concerts and the role of fans as paying customers.

Top Korean Comments (Source :  Nate)

“Then just hold a free show for your friends only.” (👍 2,524 / 👎 16)

“Most idols think of fans as ATMs anyway.” (👍 1,890 / 👎 19)

“She’ll get defended anyway, so what’s the point of complaining?” (👍 1,506 / 👎 28)

“Self-own. She exposed how entitled she is.” (👍 159 / 👎 0)

“She’s not even that talented or well-known. Of course she was going to mess up one day.” (👍 151 / 👎 5)

“Do staff have to split the loss from her handouts? So selfish.” (👍 144 / 👎 2)

“Fans are paying for those seats. What is she even complaining about?” (👍 125 / 👎 0)

“Is this karaoke? The venue, sound, effects, and staff aren’t free just because you’re the one on stage.” (👍 124 / 👎 1)


Global Reactions: “This Shows How Out of Touch Some Celebs Are”

While international fans were less hostile, many expressed disappointment and pointed out how disconnected the complaint sounded—especially coming from someone with financial privilege.

Top Global Comments (Source :  allkpop)

“I was about to say it’s sweet she pays for friends—then realized she’s mad about having to. LOL.” (👍 25)

“Shortsighted. Your company funds the whole concert, and you get four tickets for free. That’s fair.” (👍 21)

“You make more than the average person and come from money. Why complain?” (👍 11)

“Literally a strange thing to complain about when you can afford it.” (👍 11)

“I get wanting to treat friends, but expecting 100 free tickets is insane. Do you even know that many people well?” (👍 6)

“Don’t want to pay for guests? Then don’t invite them. Your fans are paying.” (👍 4)

“She profits from ticket sales, so in the end, the money circles back anyway.” (👍 4)


Cultural Lens: Between Celebrity Privilege and Fan Loyalty

This incident highlights how differently public figures and fans perceive value and entitlement.

In Korea, where concert demand is high and fans often scramble for tickets, celebrities asking for free handouts are seen as ungrateful and self-centered. The logic is simple: “If fans pay, so should you.”

Globally, there’s more room for casual complaints—but even there, privilege is expected to come with self-awareness. The audience doesn’t want to hear multi-millionaires gripe over having to spend money on something that their fans save up for months to attend.

Ultimately, this controversy isn’t about a few tickets—it’s about understanding who really makes the show possible.