Following the announcement of SEVENTEEN's world tour and its ticket reservation, some people complained about the "lack of consideration" to people with disabilities after "unfriendly" information on wheelchair-accessible seats.
CARATs Complain on 'Lack of Info' About Reservation Process for Wheelchair Seat
On May 17, Pledis Entertainment announced the hosting of SEVENTEEN world tour "BE THE SUN" through its official fan community and social media platforms.
According to the initial information about the Seoul concert's ticket reservation process, "BE THE SUN" is operated under a designated seating system, with VIPs and floor areas equipped with step-free chairs, while other areas are terraced. Pre-orders will open from June 2 to 3, and general reservations will open from June 7.
However, there was a problem with the reservation of seats for SEVENTEEN world tour following complaints by fans with disabilities.
ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN 2022 World Tour 'BE THE SUN': Boy Group Reveals Dates, Cities
The issue sparked after it was stated that in addition to pre-purchase and general reservation information, Gocheok Sky Dome will offer separate wheelchair accessible seating, exclusive for those CARATs (SEVENTEEN fans) who will watch the concert in wheelchairs.
Unfortunately, there is no additional information, such as the date and method of reservation for the wheelchair-accessible seating of the "BE THE SUN" concert, which confused the fans.
Looking at the site, there is little information about the special seating section, but it only infuriates fans.
In particular, it was written that after the reservation, fans have to contact the ticket reservation site customer center directly, and announced that wheelchair users can't enter if they do not purchase a ticket for their companion.
This explains that aside from the ticket for the wheelchair-accessible seat, these fans should also pay another ticket for those who will come with them.
On top of this, the criticism continues not only on the wheelchair seat guidance issue but also on the higher price of concert seat tickets than before.
Some CARATs complained about the suspected disrespect towards fans with disabilities, and demand the concert organizer as well as Pledis to release more detailed information for them.
Some comments say:
"Shouldn't wheelchair accessible seats be guaranteed?"
"You've given up respect and conscience for the disabled."
"What's the point of not putting any wheelchair-accessible seats for pre-order?"
"I hope you keep the basics."
"Can't you change the way you book seats?"
"Please announce the reservation for the wheelchair seat again"
"I hope you'll guide the wheelchair accessible seating properly."
SEVENTEEN to Hold World Tour 'BE THE SUN' 2022 + Album Release in May
On the other hand, SEVENTEEN is set to embark on their face-to-face world tour, "BE THE SUN," starting in June 2022!
Starting with Seoul performances, SEVENTEEN will then hold a concert in Vancouver, Seattle, Oakland, LA, Houston, Fort Worth, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Belmont Park, Toronto, and Newark. A dome tour in Japan is also scheduled for November and December.
This will be the first world tour of the group in two years following "ODE TO YOU."
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN is also set to release their fourth full-length album "Face the Sun" ahead of their world tour on May 27.
READ MORE: SEVENTEEN Seungkwan's Text Message to SNSD Taeyeon Earns Attention
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Written by Eunice Dawson
