AKMU fans demand refunds after Gangneung concert visibility and sound issues

Attendees of the "2026 AKMU Concert: Paradise of Rumors" held on the 7th at the Gangneung Oval have called for refunds due to poor sound quality and obstructed views. Despite Lee Chanhyuk serving as general director, some VIP ticket holders paying 176,000 won reported they could not see the stage or electronic scoreboard.

The AKMU concert in Gangneung has become embroiled in controversy due to complaints from some audience members regarding seat visibility and sound quality. Although Lee Chanhyuk took charge as the general director, showing passion by personally inspecting even small props on stage, some attendees pointed to a viewing environment that did not match the expensive ticket prices and have begun calling for refunds.

AKMU held the "2026 AKMU Concert: Paradise of Rumors" on the 7th at the Gangneung Oval in Gangwon Province. Expectations for the performance had increased after it was revealed that Lee Chanhyuk was serving as the general director. Interest in the quality of the show focused on his active participation to realize a unique musical world on stage.

Previously, Lee Chanhyuk revealed the concert preparation process through the MBC entertainment program "Omniscient Interfering View." He led concert meetings and deliberated on stage composition, with unexpected keywords such as tents and lions appearing during meetings, fueling curiosity about the unique concert concept. The scenes foreshadowed a production that would differ from existing concerts.

Lee Chanhyuk's meticulousness continued during rehearsals just two days before the performance. He focused on increasing detailed perfection by personally checking everything from the position of rocks on stage to the dancers' costumes and small props. In particular, his efforts to ensure that audience members could be immersed in the stage regardless of their location were revealed, further raising expectations for the show.

However, the reactions from some audience members who attended the actual Gangneung performance differed from expectations. One attendee expressed dissatisfaction online, stating, "It's the floor area, but is this really a VIP seat? I can't see the stage at all, and once I'm standing, I can't even see the screen." The claim is that despite choosing floor seats to enjoy the performance up close, they could not properly see the stage or the electronic scoreboard.

Another attendee evaluated the show saying, "The direction was good, but the sound was disappointing, and the seats without level differences were like a subway." Complaints from those who purchased VIP seats were even more specific. That attendee claimed, "The VIP seat is 176,000 won, but the view was at the level of a restricted view seat. I couldn't see the electronic scoreboard, let alone the stage." This follows criticisms that despite purchasing expensive tickets, they could not properly enjoy the stage and screens, which are the core of the performance.

As some audience members raised issues regarding seat visibility, sound, and the viewing environment, voices demanding refunds have emerged online. Especially since Lee Chanhyuk's direct involvement and attention to detail in preparing the performance were revealed through broadcasting, the gap between the expected performance and the actual viewing experience appears to have intensified the dissatisfaction.

However, it is difficult to conclude that all the complaints raised by the audience are the personal responsibility of Lee Chanhyuk for the direction. Since stage composition, performance direction, actual seat arrangement and visibility, and sound operation are separate elements, it is necessary to examine the specific causes and the allocation of responsibility. This controversy is noteworthy in that the meticulous preparation of a general director and the satisfaction of the audience regarding the venue's viewing environment do not necessarily coincide.

The AKMU Gangneung performance, which opened amidst expectations for original stage direction, has come to receive a different evaluation due to the visibility and sound complaints from some audience members. Aside from the perfection of the performance itself, questions have been raised regarding whether a viewing environment corresponding to the ticket price was provided, drawing attention to how the audience's dissatisfaction, including demands for refunds, will be resolved.

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