Room prices near Incheon venue jump from 50,000 to 1.07 million won, sparking public outrage over event-driven price gouging

Prices for accommodations near Jin (BTS)'s fan concert encore performance have surged over 20 times, sparking controversy over exorbitant fees.

Jin announced on the fan platform Weverse on the afternoon of the 2nd that the encore concert would take place at the Incheon Munhak Stadium Main Stadium in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, from October 31 to November 1.

Subsequently, social media posts claimed that reservations for nearby accommodations were suddenly canceled despite being confirmed, with prices altered. Netizen A wrote, "The accommodation booking site called to say my confirmed reservation had a pricing error and requested cancellation. It's outrageous." They added, "Even during holidays, the price rarely exceeds 80,000 Korean won, but 1,070,000 Korean won? They're insane. How could they list the wrong price for so long?" Netizen A continued, "They're clearly trying to capitalize on Jin's concert. Let's see who cancels," and provided proof: a payment receipt showing a 70,000 Korean won room booked for 53,000 Korean won using a discount coupon. The accommodation had initially sent a confirmation text but later raised prices to 895,000 Korean won for October 31 and 1,075,000 Korean won for November 1.

Netizens reacted: "Accommodations near events always do this. The price gouging is unbearable," "Are they targeting foreigners unaware of local prices?" and "Shouldn't these businesses be shut down? They're ruining the country's image."

Controversies over inflated accommodation prices near large events recur annually. Recently, lodging businesses in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, raised rates about 10 times ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. On November 15, during the Busan Fireworks Festival, nightly rates near Gwangalli Beach reached nearly 1,000,000 Korean won -- far above the October weekend average of 200,000-300,000 Korean won.

The issue lies in the lack of legal grounds to penalize price gouging. Local governments stated they can only take action if prices are unlisted or differ from posted rates. Earlier, when "3,000 Korean won fish cakes" sparked outrage in Busan, authorities addressed the issue by confirming the vendor operated without a license, not due to price gouging.

Experts warned, "Price gouging harms more than just consumers -- it damages reputations, erodes trust, and deters repeat visits, hurting honest small businesses. The industry must self-regulate to maintain reasonable pricing."

Meanwhile, Jin's first solo fan concert tour, '#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR,' began in June in Goyang and spanned 18 performances across nine cities, including Japan, the U.S., and Europe. He became the first Korean artist to perform at London's O2 Arena, drew the largest crowd ever by a Korean artist at the Anaheim Honda Center, and achieved a sold-out show at the Dallas American Airlines Center -- the first Korean solo artist to do so.

For the final encore in Incheon, Jin plans to deliver a stage synthesizing experiences from his global tour. His agency, Big Hit Music, stated, "Due to ARMY's passionate support, we prepared this encore. Jin is fully committed to connecting more closely with fans than in June's Goyang concert. We appreciate your interest and encouragement."

Accommodation Prices Near Jin's Encore Concert Surge 20-Fold