Japanese BTS Fan Abused and Booking Canceled by Busan Hotel

A Japanese BTS fan traveling to Busan for the group’s December 12-13 concerts at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium was subjected to profanity and a forced reservation cancellation after inquiring about check-in details. This incident reflects a wider pattern of price gouging and booking instability that has prompted government intervention and the launch of a public accommodation project in the city.

Why was a Japanese BTS fan’s reservation cancelled?

According to a post on the social media platform Threads, a Japanese tourist identified as “A” contacted their Busan accommodation through a booking platform. The fan asked for check-in instructions, whether the building had an elevator, and if there was a risk of automatic cancellation.

The host responded with profanity, calling the guest “a beggar” (translated), and told them, “Reservation cancelled, good luck.” The host then unilaterally cancelled the booking. The tourist noted that the messages were so shocking they were difficult to believe even when using a translator.

Did You Know? As of November 29, the government had received 311 complaints regarding accommodation issues related to the BTS Busan concert, with 82% of those reports specifically involving “reservation cancellations.”

How widespread is the accommodation crisis in Busan?

The incident involving the Japanese fan is part of a larger trend of predatory business practices. Fans have reported that some hosts are cancelling existing bookings to relist rooms at prices up to 10 times the original rate.

This behavior has led to widespread public outrage. While the tourist in this specific case secured other lodging, the pattern of “forced cancellations” has created significant instability for international visitors attending the event.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that when local hospitality sectors prioritize short-term profit through extreme price gouging, they risk long-term damage to the city’s global reputation. The shift from welcoming guests to exploiting “event-driven demand” can deter future international tourism.

What is Busan City doing to protect tourists?

Busan City has launched a “Public Accommodation Project” to mitigate the shortage and exploitation. By partnering with universities, religious groups, and public and private institutions, the city has secured 26 alternative facilities.

Busan hotels see booking boom as BTS concert nears

These facilities can accommodate approximately 1,700 people, with some Busan residents offering homestays for foreign tourists. The city has stated it will take firm action against facilities that charge excessive fees or cancel bookings without justification.

What may happen next for offending hosts?

The Busan City government has indicated it will actively cooperate with the Busan Police Agency to investigate specific illegal activities. This includes hosts who unilaterally cancel reservations only to resell the same rooms at higher prices.

Such investigations could lead to legal penalties for hosts found to be engaging in fraudulent business practices. The city may also increase joint inspections and strengthen reporting systems to prevent further abuse of tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific questions did the Japanese fan ask before being insulted?
The fan asked about the check-in method, the availability of an elevator, and whether their reservation was safe from automatic cancellation.

How many people can the city’s “Public Accommodation Project” support?
The project has secured 26 facilities capable of providing lodging for approximately 1,700 people.

What percentage of accommodation complaints involved reservation cancellations?
Out of 311 reported complaints as of November 29, 82% were related to reservations being cancelled.

How should cities balance the economic surge of major entertainment events with the need to protect international tourists from price gouging?