K-pop fans vent their frustration at ticket refund briefing
Not backing down: Angry K-Pop fans questioning the event company’s spokes man during the briefing.
PETALING JAYA: Emotions ran high during a ticket refund briefing at Wisma Bentley Music here, with angry K-pop fans demanding their money back for a concert that was cancelled in May this year.
The crowd later dispersed after police officers were called to the scene, responding to a report lodged against the company.
Those interviewed from the 150-strong crowd claimed that the event company cancelled the concert at the last minute, avoided questions on refunds and were now asking ticket buyers to wait for 18 months to get their money back.
They claimed they were also asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, to not reveal the briefing details to any third party, the press or on social media, or they would face legal action from the company.
Wendy Chew, 47, who was among those who came for the briefing, said the Asia Super Showcase 2013 was to be held on May 12 and would feature K-Pop acts like Girls Generation, Shinhwa and AOA.
“They cancelled two days before the concert and promised to refund us by November. Then we got an e-mail of this briefing and now they are telling us we have to wait 18 months to get our money. This is too long,” she said.
Wong Foo Yau, 28 who spent RM3,600 in ticket, said people were disappointed with the way the company was handling the issue.
“They threateningly tried to make us sign non-disclosure agreements so we cannot talk about them or they can sue us. I think they aren’t sincere about solving our problem and have been delaying it,” said Wong.
Student Nurul Nabila, 22 said she and her friends spent RM876 on tickets and were frustrated with the delay.
Around 9,000 people were expected to attend the event with ticket sales projected at over RM2mil.
Responding to the complaints, Marctensia Concerts project director Michael Chan said the concert was postponed at the request of the Korean talent agency for reasons that could not be disclosed.
“The agency has given us several new dates but we could not sort it out as many venues have been booked in advance.
“We cannot refund them yet as we had invested most of our money on the concert and we are planning to take legal action on the talent agency if they do not return us the money we invested,” he said.
He said the non-disclosure agreement was in response to the bombardment of angry messages on the company’s social media, which was driving away potential investors.
“We understand that they are angry and we are taking responsibility for it, we are just asking them to be patient,” said Chong.
THE STAR
Comment:
Marctensia should be suspended from Holding Any public events until full refund is given to those who purchase the tickets. - George Gerald
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