G-Dragon’s Übermensch World Tour stop in Bangkok has been canceled following growing fan protests against his agency, Galaxy Corporation. The concert, originally set for August 2 at Rajamangala National Stadium, was called off due to “unforeseen circumstances,” but fans blame mismanagement, lack of transparency, and poor planning.
The cancellation has intensified frustrations among fans, who recently staged a truck protest outside Galaxy’s Seoul headquarters. They accused the agency of failing to protect G-Dragon, mishandling ticketing, and prioritizing corporate branding over the artist’s well-being.
Why Fans Are Protesting Galaxy Corporation
Fans listed multiple issues with Galaxy’s handling of the tour, including:
- Last-minute delays and poor logistics – The March 29 concert in South Korea started 73 minutes late, raising concerns about scheduling and organization.
- Ticketing problems – VIP tickets were sold through third-party platforms instead of official fan club presales, leaving many loyal fans unable to secure seats.
- Unclear tour planning – Some venues, like those in Macau, Jakarta, and Melbourne, were too small for demand, while others were added last-minute, straining G-Dragon’s schedule.
- Lack of legal action – Despite promises to fight malicious rumors, Galaxy has not taken visible steps to protect G-Dragon from false allegations.
Fans also criticized Galaxy CEO Choi Yong-ho for excessive media appearances, accusing him of using G-Dragon’s fame to promote the company rather than focusing on the artist’s career.
Bangkok Concert Issues and Cancellation
The Bangkok show faced criticism even before its cancellation. Fans questioned why an outdoor stadium was chosen during Thailand’s rainy season, a period known for extreme heat and humidity. Additionally, ticketing details were not released until very late, causing confusion and frustration.
AEG Presents Asia, the tour organizer, announced the cancellation but did not provide a clear reason beyond “unforeseen circumstances.” Many believe the decision was influenced by the ongoing fan protests.
“We are deeply regretful to share that, due to unforeseen circumstances, G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN BANGKOK—originally scheduled for August 2nd—has been cancelled.”
Fans expressed disappointment, especially since no rescheduled date was offered. Some international fans had already made travel arrangements.
Fan Demands for Better Management
Protesting fans have demanded that Galaxy Corporation:
- Improve tour planning – Ensure venues match demand and avoid last-minute additions that exhaust the artist.
- Prioritize fan club members – Give official fan clubs first access to tickets instead of third-party sellers.
- Take legal action – Actively combat false rumors and protect G-Dragon’s reputation.
- Reduce CEO’s media presence – Separate corporate promotion from the artist’s brand.
Industry Perspective on the Controversy
Some industry insiders suggest that not all blame falls on Galaxy. One executive noted that world tours are often managed by local promoters, and G-Dragon may have rushed the tour to reconnect with fans after his long hiatus.
“World tour venues are usually booked by local or global promoters. It’s likely that G-Dragon didn’t hand over full control to Galaxy. The tour seems rushed, perhaps because he wanted to meet as many fans as possible in a short time.”
However, the executive acknowledged that Galaxy lacks experience in music management, raising questions about whether they were the right choice for G-Dragon’s comeback.
What’s Next for the Übermensch World Tour?
Despite the Bangkok cancellation, G-Dragon’s tour continues with stops in:
- Kuala Lumpur (July 19-20)
- Jakarta (July 25-26)
- Hong Kong (August 8-10)
- Newark, Los Angeles, and Paris (August-September)
Fans hope Galaxy will address their concerns before future shows to prevent further disruptions.
Credits: Korea Herald, Moneycontrol, Bandwagon Asia