Sechs Kies reunion show sparks ticket price controversy; organizer clarifies hotel room costs

The organizer of a year-end dinner show featuring former Sechs Kies members Ko Ji-yong, Jang Su-won and Lee Jae-jin has pushed back against a ticket price controversy, saying the figures circulating online reflect hotel room rates, not performance admission.

Mountain Movement Story, the event's organizer, issued the clarification Monday amid a wave of criticism over the show's pricing.

According to the organizer, Ko, Jang and Lee will hold "THE TREE in INSPIRE — Jecki's Unfinished Story" on Dec. 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. at Inspire Arena on Yeongjongdo, Incheon. The event is billed as a special celebration ahead of Sechs Kies' 30th debut anniversary next year.

The show is structured as a dinner show that includes a resort tour and a meal alongside the performance. Prices were listed at 454,000 won ($339) for a double room, 568,400 won for a business deluxe room and 898,400 won for a suite.

The near-900,000 won ceiling drew criticism from some quarters, with detractors calling it an exploitation of fan loyalty. Others questioned the pricing given that leader Eun Ji-won and member Kim Jae-deok are not participating.

Ko's involvement has also drawn scrutiny. Ko had previously stayed out of Sechs Kies reunion activities, saying there was no interest in returning to the entertainment industry. Ko is also reported to have struggled financially after a failed business venture and a divorce from Heo Yang-im, with accounts suggesting child support payments have not been made regularly — prompting questions about the motivations behind the appearance.

"Evaluating the price of the event is up to the audience and consumers, but hotel room prices and event ticket prices must be clearly distinguished," the organizer said. "We wish to correct the record on the point where room rate examples were mistakenly understood as event ticket prices."

The organizer plans to release the official poster on Nov. 13.