According to the Korea Times, the year-end K-pop awards ceremonies, long considered a festival for artists and fans, are undergoing significant changes, especially in the trend of choosing the venue. Currently, many music events and Korean music awards ceremonies are held abroad instead of in Korea.
From TV-sponsored music festivals to long-standing award ceremonies, moving venues to other countries has become common. This year's MAMA awards ceremony, for example, was held in Japan and the United States.
This trend has caused discontent among Korean fans, who feel left behind, despite the domestic audience being a major part of K-pop's global success. Many fans lament the burden of having to pay for airfare, accommodation and tickets to travel abroad to attend events.
Industry insiders point out that holding music events selling tickets overseas brings more investment opportunities and higher ticket sales, thereby generating a large source of revenue.
“Ultimately it comes down to money,” said one industry insider. “Securing the investment to host an event overseas can bring in a return that is incomparable to what can be achieved domestically.”
These investments include venue rentals, artist fees, stage production and broadcasting rights. The larger the investment, the lower the financial burden on the organizer and any surplus becomes profit.
Additionally, overseas shows often generate significant revenue through paid voting (voting for artists) and ticket sales, making the financial appeal of hosting overseas undeniable.
Popular locations like Japan, Indonesia and Thailand were chosen, as these are places with high demand for Kpop, allowing for higher ticket prices than Korea and driving better profits.
In Korea, ticket prices are limited, usually ranging from over 100,000 won to around 200,000 won. But overseas events have VIP seat tickets ranging from 300,000 to 400,000 won.
However, it is not just about profits. One industry insider highlighted the logistical challenges of holding major awards ceremonies in the country.
South Korea has limited large venues that can accommodate the massive K-pop audience, and booking such venues is extremely difficult.
“We understand the importance of holding awards shows in Korea and we actively consider it every year. But the logistical hurdles make it an uphill battle,” the insider said.
This shift reflects K-pop's growing global popularity, but also highlights the challenges of balancing the goal of expanding K-pop internationally with maintaining a connection with domestic audiences.
