Latest news with #G-Dragon
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Star Planet denies claims of Chinese-only language and ticket scalping at G-Dragon KL concert
Concert organiser Star Planet has denied allegations that signage and announcements at the G-Dragon concert in Kuala Lumpur were predominantly in Chinese, following backlash from local fans on social media. In a statement released by the company, its Chief Operating Officer Carmen Liew clarified that it is inaccurate to state that signage and announcements were predominantly in Chinese, noting that all international events use bilingual materials in both English and Chinese. "For the G-Dragon concert in particular, live announcements were also made in Bahasa Malaysia and essential notices were likewise available in Bahasa Malaysia,' the organiser told Sinar Daily. The company added that it has taken note of public feedback and will consider incorporating more Bahasa Malaysia in future events involving K-pop or local artists. "That said, we've noted the feedback and will certainly consider incorporating even more Bahasa Malaysia for future K-pop or Malay artist events," she added. The G-Dragon concert, part of the K-pop star's highly anticipated world tour, took place at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, on July 19 and 20. Social media users had voiced frustration over the high number of attendees from mainland China and alleged that Malaysian fans were sidelined. Another point of criticism involved ticket scalping, with fans accusing the organiser of insider ticket sales to buyers in China. One viral post alleged that all VVIP, VIP and Cat 1 tickets were snapped up by agents and resold at inflated prices, while genuine fans were left with limited options or forced to buy at mark-ups. Fans also raised concerns that the ticketing system lacked security, with no codes required during the fan club presale, making it vulnerable to bots. Some users also claimed their tickets were cancelled over suspicious activity, while scalper tickets remained valid. Accusations were also made that tickets under the 'FAM' category were distributed through insider networks linked to the organiser. Star Planet again has firmly denied the claims. They said the allegations of ticket scalping are entirely baseless and without any supporting evidence. "We want to firmly reiterate that Star Planet had no involvement in any insider ticket sales for the G-Dragon tour. "It is also important to note that all ticketing activities or actions for a world tour of this scale are conducted under close oversight and require coordination and approval from multiple parties, including the tour's official management," said Liew. The company added that ticketing activities for international tours require oversight and approval from multiple parties, including the tour's official management, to ensure transparency and compliance with global standards. Addressing one specific case that went viral, the company said a ticket was voided due to suspicious activity but reinstated after verification. Star Planet acknowledged the global problem of scalping and said it is working with its ticketing partner to improve bot-filtering systems for future events. "We fully understand the frustration and disappointment experienced by fans who were unable to secure tickets for this highly anticipated event. "Scalping remains a widespread issue globally and presents an ongoing challenge for event organisers. "To address this, we are in active discussions with our ticketing partner to explore and implement more advanced bot-filtering solutions aimed at minimising scalper activity and ensuring fairer access for genuine fans for upcoming shows," she said.
Focus Malaysia
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Focus Malaysia
K-pop fans vent fury at organisers as Mainland Chinese scalpers invaded G-Dragon's KL gigs
HELL hath no fury like a K-pop fan scorned. Tickets for Korean singing sensation G-Dragon's two live shows in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend (July 19 and 20) had sold out shortly after going on sale. In fact, they were all snapped up within hours of being made available for public sale on May 29 which left thousands of adoring fans disappointed. Worse yet, many had to resort to tickets scalpers who re-sold the tickets at many times the face value. Thus, imagine these fans shock, disappointment and even disgust to see plenty of empty seats at the venue during both shows at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. What was even more galling was that it seemed that a large portion of the crowd seemed to be foreigners. This was based on the lack of response when the artiste conversed in Bahasa Malaysia and the unfamiliarity of many attendees with G-Dragon lyrics. Kamen Liew's post on Facebook seem typical of the responses that are flooding social media in the aftermath of the KL gigs. The lacklustre atmosphere was highlighted which proved hugely disappointing for this particular fan who was probably right in pointing out that G-Dragon may have been expecting more from the crowd given this was his first gigs here in eight years. She must also be fearing that such poor crowd interaction would dissuade other K-pop performers from including Malaysia in future tours. Similarly, many also vented their fury at the organisers – Star Planet Sdn Bhd. It was perceived that its poorly managed ticketing system has led to a scenario whereby tickets ended up with foreign fans – notably Chinese nationals – instead of locals. if you think you want to be a successful organiser @StarPlanetMY , why don't you be a concert organiser in CHINA instead of Malaysia? you really LOVEEEE that country so much is it 😙😙😙❤️❤️ u don't even care at all about Malaysian people 🤓 — princessnrannxsa | TS 🎫 (@Annxsameerx) July 20, 2025 One fan even included video footage of the K-pop icon conversing in Malay and looking somewhat confused at the lukewarm response. It must be noted that K-pop fans take great joy in interacting with their idols and when these stars make the effort to learn some local lingo, it is expected that appreciation be shown …. Loudly! Alas, the seemingly poor response will reflect poorly on local FAM (name for G-Dragon fandom). 🐲: 'Korang dah makan?' 'Jumpa nanti' 'Terima kasih' Look how he tried his best to speak in Malay but at last, he seems got confused as probably lack of ppl could confirm what he prob kudos to Malaysians who responded in Malay👏#GDRAGONinKL #GDinKL — ain_BBVIP (아인)(BB's Silent Knight)🇲🇾🍀🌵🌸💛 (@BB_VIP5ever95) July 19, 2025 Further proof was presented with a video purportedly showing large sections of the crowd only singing to portions of tunes that were in their own language. This is not the given thing as K-pop fans go to great lengths to learn and memorise tunes in the artistes' native tongue. Such poor fandom was again seen as reflecting on local FAMs or VIPs (name given to fans of his pop group Big Bang). Proof that the crowds are not Malaysian. They only know to sing in their own language and even GD LOOKS SHOCKED as they only sing that part. I dont blame them, i blame STARPLANET for ripped the opportunities from Malaysian fans. #GDinKL #GDRAGONINKL #GDRAGON — Meowwww~~~~💙 (@nody_meow) July 20, 2025 Few things to note from these gigs. Firstly, ticket scalping is nothing new. The bigger the act, the more likely it will happen. Oasis fans were subject to the same with the recent reunion concerts. Black Sabbath's final farewell show earlier this month sold out in a record-breaking 16 minutes with scalpers making a killing on the secondary market. It is entirely up to the organisers and to an extent, the artiste, to fix this pertinent issue. Secondly, sold out concerts are great for the economy, more so when visitors flock to the country for those shows. However, it is not so great for local fans who miss out on tickets. Supply and demand will determine this but something will need to be done to minimise empty seats at venues to avoid 'sold out' shows feel anything but. – July 22, 2025 Main image credit; Meowwww~~~~💙(@nody_meow)/X
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
K-pop superstar G-Dragon declares Malaysia 'mantap (superb)' at his two-day sold-out concerts in Bukit Jalil
For G-Dragon fans at Bukit Jalil last weekend, the party started even before the concerts at Axiata Arena. Almost 50,000 loyal fans of the superstar singer flooded the area during the weekend, and it was party from the word go. In fact, fans were already at the stadium from as early as 1pm and many even came to the venue wearing fashion ware that G-Dragon is famous for. Fans were not disappointed as G-Dragon made a triumphant return to Kuala Lumpur with a two-day performance that bedazzled his fans and many were left chanting for more. There were more cheers as G-Dragon even tried to speak Malay with the fans and even said " Saya gembira jumpa korang (I'm delighted to meet you guys)" and then of course Malaysia " mantap (superb)". He also added that he is " Syok gila (immensely happy)" and " you all enjoy tak (everyone enjoying yourself right)". It was an F1 speed show with a lot of thrills and spills as fans were immensely enjoying themselves during the two-plus-hour show. In short, the show presented by Hong Leong, the 2025 World Tour [Übermensch] simply dazzled Malaysian fans with a visually stunning and incredibly powerful vocal performance that proved the K-pop icon's continued global influence. Promoted by AEG Presents, TME Live, Star Planet, and Top Top Production, the tour attracted fans from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries. Over 20,000 attendees packed the arena across the two days, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Among the songs that were performed at the shows were fan favourites "POWER, HOME SWEET HOME, BONAMANA, TAKE ME, DRAMA, GYRO-DROP" which had almost all the attendees singing along to his tunes. Fans even turned up with the singer's most popular items at his concert - the Day-G (GD official daisy-shaped light stick), waving it away for almost all his songs. On top of that, fans were also roaring in approval as even former Olympic and Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei and his family were in attendance for the concert. During the concert, fans even went wilder when G-Dragon made a special announcement when he said his super group Big Bang is also getting back together next year. "You know what, guys, next year, is Big Bang's 20th anniversary celebration. And we will be back together," said G-Dragon as the fans were celebrating wildly at the venue. Like G-Dragon, the group Big Bang is also among the super icons in the K-pop industry and has many international super hits during their long music career. "It has been an incredible journey, thus far. And I hope it keeps getting better in the time to come. It is a very special year for Big Bang next year and it is going to be even a bigger party the coming year," said G-Dragon. Fans at the concert were just immensely happy with the concert experience. One fan, Ameera Filzah, said: "He's called the King of K-pop for a reason. The stage design was mind-blowing, with insane visuals, special effects that felt like something out of a dream. It wasn't just a concert; it was a journey through every chapter of his solo career. From the iconic hits to the deeper, emotional tracks. It was nostalgic, electric, and honestly, one of the most fun and unforgettable nights of my life.' Another fan, Sindhu Vijayan, said the whole concert was a special moment as many fans managed to witness his comeback live. "You could see how happy and full of energy he was. His stage presence had us all under a spell. You could feel how much he truly appreciates his fans. I still can't get over it," said Sindhu. I loved the visual and emotional journey he took us on. "He even opened up about his past struggles, and you could sense how deeply personal this return is for him, like he's finally reconnecting with his purpose and passion as an artist. It felt like he was free to be his most authentic self, and the fans are so ready to stand by him every step of the way. The entire show was stunning from start to finish — powerful, emotional, inspiring.' In short, G-Dragon had promised nothing but the best for his fans, but he also delivered a spectacular show that his immensely happy fans will not forget for a very long time. About G-Dragon G-Dragon is a global cultural icon. As a member of the popular K-pop male group Bigbang, he helped redefine the Asian music scene with his innovative music, bold fashion choices, and charismatic stage presence. Known for his genre-blending sound and experimental approach to music, G-Dragon has released several successful solo albums, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. His influence extends beyond music, with a lasting impact on fashion and culture, often regarded as a trendsetter in both South Korea and internationally.
Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
2NE1's Sandara Park, Lee Chong Wei & More: Local & International Stars Who Attended G-Dragon's KL Concert
A lot unfolded during G-Dragon (권지용)'s 2-day concert in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend. While some fans had the time of their lives, many were left disappointed by the circumstances leading up to the concert and the events on the days of the shows themselves. Regardless, those who attended the concert spotted a few familiar faces in the audience, including both local and international celebrities. So, without further ado, let's take a look at who was in attendance at the icon's concert at Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur: 1. 2NE1's Sandara Park Who would have thought that a member of 2NE1 would be spotted among the Malaysian crowd during G-Dragon's Kuala Lumpur concert? A video has been circulating online showing Sandara Park enjoying the show while waving her lightstick. For those who may not know, both BIGBANG and 2NE1 debuted under YG Entertainment, so it's not entirely surprising to see the idol showing support for her ex-labelmate. 2. Datuk Lee Chong Wei One of the perks of retirement is getting to enjoy concerts by your favourite artists. Former national shuttler Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) was spotted making his way to his seat at the concert, where he was also seen greeting fans who recognised him. He later reposted an Instagram Story featuring one of the BIGBANG members' performances during the show. 3. Ms Kuan, Alex HKF, Danny Koo Local influencers Ms Kuan and Alex HKF shared posts about their experience at the concert, with the latter offering some insights into what went down during the show on his Twitter page. Singer Danny Koo also attended the concert while testing out the new Samsung Galaxy Fold 7. 4. Hani Fadzil & Muna Bella If it's anything K-pop related, there's a high chance these two will be there. Known for their love of all things K-pop and K-culture, local radio announcers Hani Fadzil (MIX) and Muna Bella (Era) were both spotted at G-Dragon's weekend concert, with the former even dressing up as the idol himself. Not only did they attend the show, but they also had the opportunity to interview him and film exclusive content for their respective radio stations, something fans can certainly look forward to once it's released. 5. Bosco Wong Hong Kong actor Bosco Wong was reportedly spotted at G-Dragon's concert in KL as well. Fans recognised the star in what appeared to be the VIP section, despite him wearing a hat and face mask to keep a low profile. It was also rumoured that other Hong Kong artists, including Michael Tao, Joel Chan and Kelly Fu, were present at the Kuala Lumpur concert, although this has yet to be confirmed. 6. Jeannie Hsieh Taiwanese singer-songwriter Jeannie Hsieh posted a video on Instagram that she indeed attended the G-Dragon concert in KL over the weekend. The 50-year-old filmed herself outside the venue before the doors opened while wearing the 'Übermensch' cap. Did you spot any familiar faces at the concert? Let us know!
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why was G-Dragon's Übermensch concert in Malaysia ‘frustrating'? All about ‘unfair' treatment of local fans and scalping issues
K-pop legend G-Dragon recently held his two-day Übermensch concert in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 and 20. The show marked a major event for fans, especially those in Malaysia who had been eagerly awaiting his comeback. But despite the impressive stage production and G-Dragon's star power, the weekend ended on a bitter note for many local fans. G-Dragon's KL concert faces scalping controversy Even before the concerts began, ticket sales had drawn controversy. It's due to alleged scalping and difficulty for local fans to purchase tickets. Organiser Star Planet attempted to tackle the issue by re-releasing a limited number of tickets. However, the move only stirred fresh concerns when fans noticed unusual patterns at the venue. Once the gates opened, attendees observed numerous empty seats, raising eyebrows given the event was officially sold out. Fans pointed to the possibility that scalpers, unable to resell tickets, had caused these gaps in the audience. Further fuelling suspicion was the sight of many VIP lanyards left untouched at the registration counter. They were still unclaimed even after the show had started. Though those empty spots were eventually filled, many fans believe they were occupied by foreign buyers, not locals. It deepened frustration over how tickets were allocated. G-Dragon's Malay moments fall flat K-pop fans are known to celebrate idols who make the effort to speak in their local language. It's often a highlight of any K-pop show in foreign country. But during G-Dragon 's concert, his attempts to connect with the audience in Malay were met with a noticeably muted response. Some fans speculated that the lack of energy could be because many in attendance didn't understand the language. This possibly points again to the heavy presence of non-local fans in the crowd. For a region known for its loud and passionate fanbase, the subdued atmosphere felt out of place. G-Dragon's team comforts tearful fans outside Malaysia show As is common during sold-out concerts, several fans chose to gather outside the venue to experience the event from afar. However, this time, the scene turned emotional. Viral TikTok videos showed fans chanting and booing, calling on staff to open the doors so they could catch even a glimpse of the show. What made it even more emotional was the reported appearance of G-Dragon 's team. They approached the crowd to collect supportive messages for the artist. Many fans, some in tears, shared heartfelt notes. They expressed both their love for G-Dragon and their sadness at not being able to see him perform live. The clips touched fans across the internet, with many calling out the organisers for not doing more to accommodate local supporters. No response yet from G-Dragon concerts' organisers As of now, Star Planet Malaysia has not released an official statement regarding the allegations and backlash. While G-Dragon's performance was praised for its creativity and stage presence, the overall concert experience left a sour taste for many. Fans now hope that should G-Dragon, or BIGBANG as a full group, return to Malaysia, the event will be better organised.
