[THE INVESTOR] Hyundai Card CEO Chung Tae-young on Aug. 17 apologized for what is being criticized as a “disrespectful” concert performance by American pop singer Ariana Grande in Seoul.
Grande has been bombarded with negative feedback from Koreans fans over her concert held on Aug. 15 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul, part of her “2017 Dangerous Woman” world tour.
Chung Tae-young |
Criticism centers on Grande’s supposed indifferent attitude towards Korean fans. The singer arrived in the country just three hours before the concert and went on stage without a proper rehearsal.
Among the ticket types were they pricey 650,000 won (US$570) VIP tickets, which allowed buyers to watch the singer’s pre-show rehearsal. Some of them have reportedly asked for refunds, while many others have pointed out Grande’s apparent lack of willingness to connect with the Korean fans during the show.
Amid the criticism, the CEO of the concert organizer Hyundai Card apologized to disappointed fans via Facebook, saying: “Grande’s decisions, other than the show itself, have left much to be desired.”
“[Grande] arriving right before the concert and leaving immediately, avoiding the press has left the impression as if the concert itself was mechanical,” he wrote.
“If Korea’s current situation was worrisome, it would be good if she had shown the courage and sincerity she display at Manchester. Or it would have been better if she was just honest and canceled the concert.”
By Alex Lee and newswires (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)