Overview
- Consumer agency data show average one‑night rates for the BTS concert weekend rose to about 433,999 won, roughly 2.4 times normal levels, with motels jumping about 3.3 times their usual rates.
- Many guests filed complaints that some properties urged cancellations or unilaterally canceled bookings and then relisted rooms at much higher prices.
- President Lee warned on Wednesday that such price hikes could harm Busan’s tourism image, and BTS members used a Weverse livestream to ask businesses to keep lodging rates reasonable.
- The Ministry of Finance formed a task force and said a joint investigation team including antitrust and tax officials will carry out on‑site inspections in early June and that the government will list alternative low‑cost rooms for fans.
- Officials say current laws do not allow immediate caps on room rates so tougher remedies require legislation, leaving community groups and temples to offer free or discounted stays and raising the risk of lasting reputational and economic damage to Busan.