[Sportschosun reporter Baek Ji-eun] SECHSKIES’ ‘Three-Man Dinner Show’ has been embroiled in controversy over its professionalism.
Concert promoter Mountain Movement Story Company announced on the 30th of last month that Ko Ji-yong, Jang Su-won and Lee Jae-jin will hold “The Tree in Inspire-Jakie’s Untold Story” on December 15 and 16 at 6 pm at Inspire Arena in Yeongjeongdo, Incheon. The event was planned ahead of SECHSKIES’ 30th debut anniversary next year. It gained considerable attention because Ko Ji-yong, who had retired from the entertainment industry and focused on business after SECHSKIES disbanded in 2000, was re-joining the group.
However, the specific program has sparked controversy since its announcement.
The event is a dinner-show-style affair that includes not only a performance but also a resort tour and meal. Ticket prices were reported to be 454,000 won for a double room, 568,400 won for a business deluxe, and 898,400 won for a suite room. Critics said that, even when food was included, setting high admission prices to capitalize on the nostalgia of fans who missed longtime members was a typical business strategy targeting fans.
An even bigger issue is Ko Ji-yong’s participation as well as the absence of other members, including leader Yoon Ji-won and Kim Jaedak.
Despite being held ahead of the group’s 30th debut anniversary, leader Eun Ji-won, who anchored the group, and main dancer Kim Jaedak will not be attending. Expensive ticket sales for a show with only three members have drawn a backlash: half of the four-member SECHSKIES are absent, while one former member has returned.
Opinion was also divided on Ko Ji-yong’s actions. Even when SECHSKIES managed to reunite with difficulty through MBC’s “Infinite Challenge-Totoga 2” in 2016, Ko dismissed it, saying, “I have no plans to work in the entertainment industry.” He also remained out of the group’s subsequent reunion activities. At the same time, he appeared in KBS2’s “The Return of Superman” with his son, Ko Seung-jae, giving the impression that he was completely distancing himself from SECHSKIES.
Fans became dissatisfied with their decision to choose an expensive dinner show instead of an official musical activity for their first appearance in 10 years. Additionally, Ko Ji-yong is embroiled in a legal dispute over child support and visitation rights following her divorce from Heo Yang-im, leading to controversy over the timing and sincerity of her return.
In this background, a comment by Jang Su-won added fuel to the fire.
Jang Su-won responded to the controversy through J-walk’s official fan community, Police, the duo he formed with Kim Jaedak after SECHSKIES disbanded. She was quoted as saying, “It’s just an event that has nothing to do with the 30th anniversary. Think of it as warming up before dancing at the 30th anniversary! Instead of doing nothing and staying out of sight completely, I decided to go because I thought it would be better to meet the one or two fans that were available.”
Fans are concerned that the SECHSKIES name is being used for an expensive three-member dinner show ahead of the group’s 30th debut anniversary. It was criticized as a “warm-up” which showed little respect for the fans’ wallets.
Reporter Baek Ji-eun Silk781220@sportschosun.com
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
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(See original Korean article)
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