BTS comeback sparks astronomical hotel price hikes in Busan

BTS’ long-awaited full-group comeback concert in Busan is still months away, but hotel prices in the southeastern port city have already hit exorbitant levels, rekindling anger over “rip-off” room rates whenever mega-events come to town. Some properties have reportedly hiked prices by up to 10 times and even asked guests with existing bookings to cancel so they can resell at higher prices. The group will return as a full act for the first time since all members completed their mandatory military service, kicking off a world tour in April that will stop in North America, Europe, South America and Asia. Busan is the only domestic venue outside Seoul, with shows slated for June 12 and 13 — the latter doubling as BTS’ debut anniversary and a homecoming for Busan-born members Jimin and Jung Kook, intensifying demand from both local and overseas ARMY, their official fan base. As of Friday, on local booking platforms, many hotels across key tourist areas such as Haeundae, Gwangalli and Gijang were already sold out for the concert dates within hours of the schedule dropping. Remaining