HYBE makes 10 billion KRW from BTS' Gwanghwamun concert, while citizens lose 30 billion KRW

SOURCE: BTS 방탄 광화문 공연으로 하이브는 100억 벌고 시민들은 300억 손해봄

The real price tag of BTS' 'free' Gwanghwamun concert

Is it free just because they don't charge for tickets? We broke down the actual costs.

HYBE's cost: 90 million KRW (venue rental + filming permits)

Citizens' cost: ~30 billion KRW (taxes + inconvenience + loses)

Direct public costs (taxes): 10.5 to 10.7 billion KRW

-Deployment of 6,700 police officers: 6.5 to 10 billion KRW
-Deployment of 3,400 Seoul city & fire department staff: 2 to 3 billion KRW
-Traffic control, additional temporary trains, welcoming events: 1.5 to 3 billion KRW
-Gyeongbokgung Palace closure, Ministry. Culture crisis alert: 0.5 to 1 billion KRW

Hidden costs (private sector):4.9 to 13.1 billion KRW

-Restrictions of 31 buildings and loss of business sales: 2.8 to 6.8 billion KRW
-33-hour closure of Sejong-daero, traffic congestion: 0.9 to 2.7 billion KRW
-Forced annual leave, wedding disruptions, delivery bans: 0.7 to 2 billion KRW
-Public safety gaps, special responses by 3 major telecom companies: 0.5 to 1.5 billion KRW

HYBE's tour operating profit is more than 400 billion KRW, while the estimated social cost of ~30 billion KRW is only 0.8% of that

Cost per Seoul citizen: ~3,160 KRW
Cost per South Korea citizen: ~590 KRW

This wasn't a free concert. The bill was passed to the citizens. In the UK and the US, the costs for police deployed at large private events are billed to the organizers. Only South Korea lacks such a system. This isn't meant to be attacking BTS, but questioning the structure.

COMMENTS:

(To be updated)

Continue reading HYBE makes 10 billion KRW from BTS' Gwanghwamun concert, while citizens lose 30 billion KRW

Late Sulli's brother takes a shot at BTS Gwanghwamun concert ... "It's not like there are no other places to hold it"

SOURCE: 故설리 친오빠, BTS 광화문 공연 저격.."할 곳 없는 것도 아니고" [스타이슈]

The older brother of the late Sulli, former member of f(x) and actress, commented on BTS' Gwanghwamun concert.

On the 21st, he posted on his personal account, "If you can't give happiness, you shouldn't cause misery either."

He added, "It's not like there are no other places to hold a concert," criticizing the choice of venue.

He also directly mentioned BTS, adding, "Good luck, BTS."

The late Sulli's brother's remarks appeared to be criticizing the heavy congestion occurring near Gwanghwamun, where the BTS concert is being held.

BTS is set to hold their free comeback concert, 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' at 8 PM (KST) that day in the Gwanghwamun Square to celebrate the release of their 5th full-length album.

Police estimated that up to 260,000 people would gather in the area on the day of the event. Accordingly, they deployed around 6,700 personnel, including 70 riot police units and experts in traffic, crime prevention, and special forces, along with 5,400 pieces of equipment.

The control on-site was also strict. A total of 31 entry gates were installed in the core areas, with walkthrough metal detectors to inspect the belongings of both audiences and passersby.

Meanwhile, Sulli passed away on October 14, 2019 at the age of 25.

Continue reading Late Sulli's brother takes a shot at BTS Gwanghwamun concert ... "It's not like there are no other places to hold it"

100,000 people instead of 260,000, why was it less than expected? ... Police estimate 40,000

SOURCE: 26만명 아닌 10만명, 왜 기대보다 적었나?…경찰은 4만 추산

The highly anticipated BTS' comeback concert, which drew attention from all over the world, has ended successfully. Thanks to thorough safety preparations, the event ended without major incidents. However, some are expressing disappointment as the crowd (roughly 100,000) fell short of the expected 260,000 people.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as of 8 PM (KST) on the 21st, between 40,000 to 42,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' was held. The police also unofficially estimated the crowd at around 42,000.

On the other hand, the organizer, HYBE, stated that 'about 104,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square.' Even based on the organizer's estimated number, there is still a significant gap from the number of audience which was originally expected to be 260,000 people.

Analysis suggests that many citizens refrained from visiting Gwanghwamun following warnings from authorities about potential safety risks due to overcrowding. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education even distributed notices to elementary, middle, and high schools, urging students to avoid visiting Gwanghwamun on this day.

Additionally, since the concert was also livestreamed on Netflix, many people likely felt that it was more practical to watch comfortably from home.

Poor accessibility caused by traffic restrictions to Gwanghwamun Square and the inconvenience to commute home after the concert also became reasons why citizens hesitated to go. One BTS fan said, "When I heard that the concert would only be about an hour, I decided not to go. Since I didn't get a ticket, I decided it was better to watch it on Netflix instead of forcing myself to go."

Than to the thorough preparations by the police and organizers for a potential crowd of up to 260,000, pedestrian safety around Gwanghwamun remained well managed even after the concert. Subway stations that had been skipping stops like City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2), Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), and Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), returned to normal operation from 10 PM (KST).

Furthermore, the Seoul city government also deployed a total of 12 additional trains to help audiences return home.

Meanwhile, some nearby convenience store owners and shopkeepers, which had increased their stock in anticipation of 260,000 people, are expressing their complaints on social media about having 'too much leftover inventory' due to the crowd number that is smaller than expected.

Continue reading 100,000 people instead of 260,000, why was it less than expected? ... Police estimate 40,000

Did 'Single's Inferno 5' Song Seungil get properly scolded for Kim Mingee's 'cut off' remark?

SOURCE: '솔지5' 송승일, 김민지 '단절' 발언에 제대로 혼났나 "거기 이야기는..."('집대성')

'Single's Inferno 5' Song Seungil addressed the reunion episode where he received heavy criticism.

On the 20th, a video featuring Jo Yoosik and Hong Jiyeon from 'EXchange 4' and Kim Goeun and Song Seungil from 'Single's Inferno 5' was posted on Daesung's Youtube channel.

During the episode, Daesung commented, "It seems like everyone from 'Single's Inferno 5' gets along well." Song Seungil replied, "Right," but couldn't hide his uneasy expression. When Daesung brought up the 'Single's Inferno' reunion episode, Song Seungil hesitated, saying, "Ah...About that..." as his eyes began to well up with tears, drawing laughter.

In the reunion episode, Song Seungil faced backlash after her final couple, Kim Mingee, said, "It's ambiguous. I don't think we're even colleagues. I feel like I've been cut off by him." Afterwards, Song Seungil explained, "I had honestly shared my confusing situation with her. From her perspective, it may have felt like she was being cut off instead of getting a closure. I was cautious and felt sorry about that. After the broadcast, I apologized for my immature behavior."

Continue reading Did 'Single's Inferno 5' Song Seungil get properly scolded for Kim Mingee's 'cut off' remark?

'Single's Inferno' Heeseon: "Every moment I spent with ♥Subeen is like heaven, even in Inferno"

SOURCE: '솔로지옥' 희선 "♥수빈과 함께 하던 순간, 지옥도 천국" 달달 (김민지)

'Single's Inferno 5' cast member Park Heeseon shared her happy moments with Subeen.

On the 19th, a video titled 'Finally unsealed spicy girl talk: Single's Inferno x EXchange universe crossover' was posted on Kim Mingee's Youtube channel.

In this video, Kim Mingee invited cast members from the dating shows 'Single's Inferno' and 'EXchange' to chat together. The guests included Ham Yejin and Park Heeseo from 'Single's Inferno 5' and Kwak Minkyung and Choi Yun-nyeong from 'EXchange 4.'

Kim Mingee first asked them, "Are there any scenes that you wish you could delete?". Heeseon replied, "I don't really have any scenes that I want to delete. Everything was good." Hearing this, the others responded enviously, "Every moment was him."

Heeseon then showed her affection by saying, "Even Inferno felt like Paradise," leading Kim Mingee to sigh and said, "I'm so jealous."

When Yejin asked Kim Mingee the same question, she answered, "I don't have one either. I don't regret anything." This response was immediately followed by teasing questions like, "Not even the bed scene?" making Kim Mingee sweat as she laughed and said, "This is too spicy."

The members also talked about who they would want to go to Paradise with.

Kwak Minkyung said, "The person I want to go to Paradise with is Song Seungil," while glancing at Kim Mingee. She jokingly added, "Actually, Hyunwoo has a very masculine charm."

Choi Yun-nyeong said, "The person I want to go to Paradise with is Kim Jaejin," adding, "I like that kind of quirky charm."

Meanwhile, Park Heeseon drew attention after becoming a final couple with Lim Subeen on 'Single's Inferno 5.' She recently mentioned him on her Youtube channel, proudly saying they are a 'real-life couple' that even got approved by her parents.

Continue reading 'Single's Inferno' Heeseon: "Every moment I spent with ♥Subeen is like heaven, even in Inferno"

Nana once again absent as witness despite postponement of second trial for her home intruder robbery case

SOURCE: 나나, 자택 강도범 2차공판 연기에도 증인불출석

Nana, a former member of After School and now an actress, has once again expressed her intention not to appear as a witness in the trial of A, who broke into her home and committed robbery.

According to industry sources on the 21st, Nana's mother, identified as Shin, recently submitted a statement of non-attendance as a witness regarding the robbery and injury charges against A to the Namyangju Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court. It is reported that Nana has also submitted her own written opinion to the court.

This follows the postponement of the second hearing, which had originally been scheduled for the 10th. Nana had previously submitted a statement of non-attendance for the same trial on the 20th of last month.

Meanwhile, last November, A broke into Nana's residence in Acheon-dong, Guri, Gyeonggi Province, and threatened Nana and her mother with a weapon. At the time, Nana and her mother managed to subdue A after a physical struggle and reported him to the police. In the process, they reportedly sustained injuries requiring 33 days dan 31 days of medical treatment, respectively.

After being detained, A filed a lawsuit against Nana on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. However, the police viewed Nana's actions as self-defense and decided not to forward the case for prosecution. In response, Nana's side stated, "These are intentional, malicious secondary attacks, and false claims," adding, "We will take all possible civil and criminal legal measures against the perpetrator's vicious and inhumane behavior to hold him legally responsible. There will be no compromise."

Continue reading Nana once again absent as witness despite postponement of second trial for her home intruder robbery case

Cho Hangyeol: "Gave up baseball due to an injury ... I want to win the Rookie Award with 'Undercover Miss Hong'"

SOURCE: 조한결 “부상으로 야구 선수 포기... ‘미쓰홍’으로 신인상 받고파” [인터뷰 ②]

Cho Hangyeol opened up about the 'turning point'. in is acting career and how it began.

Cho Hangyeol, who is currently rising as a next-generation star through the tvN drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' which ended on the 8th, recently shared in an interview with Ilgan Sports, "I was able to finish this long 16-episode journey thanks to the viewers who stayed with us until the end."

In the drama, Cho Hangyeol played as Albert Oh, the head of risk management at Hanmin Securities who is also the grandson of Chairman Kang Pilbeom. He said, "I feel like my spectrum of expression as an actor has broadened through this work. Rather than improvisation, I focused more on bringing out the tone and the flow of the actual script."He also credited his co-star Kim Hyungmook, who played as his father in the drama, saying, "He gave me so many ideas on set. Thanks to him, we were able to create the unique father-son chemistry in 'Undercover Miss Hong.'"

Albert Oh is a character who holds the key to major twists toward the end of the drama. At first, he appears to be an immature slacker who is obsessed with movies. However, it is later revealed that he is a powerful figure in the stock market community 'Yeouido Pirates.' Cho Hangyeol shared, "I'm actually a cinephile myself," naming 'The Butterfly Effect' and 'The Notebook' as his favorite movies. He also mentioned 'The King's Warden,' saying, "I cried my eyes out watching it. If I get the chance, I definitely want to try acting in the historical genre."

Cho Hangyeol's original dream was on the pitcher's mound. Born in 2002, he once dreamed to be a baseball player but had to give up the sport due to an unexpected injury. At the time, he recalled his brief experience with acting in elementary school, which led him back to an acting academy. He then made his debut in 2020 through the web drama 'Let Me Off the Earth.'

'Undercover Miss Hong' is especially meaningful to him as it is his first lead role. He shared, "It would feel like a dream to win a Rookie Award with 'Undercover Miss Hong," adding, "My next project hasn't been decided yet, but I'll say goodbye to Albert Oh and return as an even more charming 'younger man' character."

Continue reading Cho Hangyeol: "Gave up baseball due to an injury ... I want to win the Rookie Award with 'Undercover Miss Hong'"