Foreigners Comprise 36% of SEVENTEEN's Audience at Incheon Concert

▲ The image, provided by Hybe on April 5, 2024, shows scenes from SEVENTEEN's "The City" project held in Incheon. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 5 (Yonhap) -- More than one-third of the attendees at the SEVENTEEN concert held at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on the 30th and 31st of last month were foreigners.

According to a self-assessment by HYBE on the 5th, out of the total concert audience of over 56,000 over the two days, around 20,000 'Carats' (SEVENTEEN's fandom) from overseas accounted for approximately 36%.

HYBE stated, "Fans from East Asian countries such as China and Japan comprised the largest proportion, followed by the United States," explaining, "Foreign tourists from six continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania, attended the event."

The citywide event 'THE CITY' held in Seoul and Incheon to commemorate the concert also saw a higher proportion of foreign visitors. The ratio of foreign visitors was as high as 80% and 83% respectively at the Han River cruise party held as a pre-concert event and the SEVENTEEN Lounge. Additionally, 63% of visitors to the SEVENTEEN-related exhibition were foreigners.

Regarding this, HYBE commented, "It means that SEVENTEEN fans not only attended the one-time concert but also stayed in Incheon and Seoul for several days, enjoying various events before and after the concert," adding, "The influx of foreign tourists and the effect of attracting visitors are significant, almost comparable to large-scale international events."

In fact, the Korea Tourism Organization and the travel industry recently held roadshows in China and Japan, promoting tourist courses and travel packages tailored to the concert schedules of K-pop stars like SEVENTEEN.

▲ This image, provided by Hybe on April 5, 2024, shows public transportation theming K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Interest from global fans in Incheon, where the concert was held, also increased significantly.

From the announcement of SEVENTEEN's concert in Incheon on February 8th to the second day of the concert on March 31st, the global mentions of Incheon on various social media platforms reached approximately 3.35 million, an increase of about 150% compared to the same period last year.

HYBE evaluated, "While 81.8% of foreign tourists visiting Korea go to Seoul, the visitation rate to Incheon is only 6.2%," and stated, "SEVENTEEN's concert has triggered an increase in foreign visitors to Incheon."

'Carats' who flocked to Incheon for the concert also utilized nearby restaurants, cafes, and markets, leading to a bustling atmosphere in the surrounding alley businesses. Fans searched and shared nearby eateries and attractions on social media and also ventured into exploring the Incheon area.

As a result, the 'SEVENTEEN Theme Direct Train,' which connects Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, mostly sold out, with approximately 1,300 passengers using it.

Official merchandise (goods) sold at the concert venue, SEVENTEEN Lounge, exhibition, and Shinsegae Department Store totaled over 238,000 items.

Additionally, shuttle buses and 'SEVENTEEN Taxis' provided for fans' convenience received enthusiastic responses, with approximately 13,600 and 1,200 users respectively.

HYBE emphasized, "The success of SEVENTEEN's concert and 'THE CITY' event was possible not only through the participation of domestic and international fans but also due to the full cooperation of Incheon City and Incheon Airport," and stated, "In the future, we will continue to highlight cities where concerts are held as tourist destinations and strive for growth through collaboration with various partners."

▲ Fans of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN form a long line to purchase the band's suvenior merchandise in Incheon prior to the concert, in this photo provided by Hybe on April 5, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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