Some attendees called the concert "a shambles", while others defended it
Belfast's SSE Arena has responded to complaints over its recent K-Pop tribute show after some disappointed families walked out.
The first 'K-Pop Forever! Tribute' took place at the venue last night (Thursday February 19), with thousands of children and parents in attendance. Many marked the occasion by dressing up as characters from the hit Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters.
An official listing describes the production as a "truly one-of-a-kind, all-action concert" featuring "all-live performances of smash hits" by the likes of BTS and BLACKPINK, as well as a rendition of HUNTR/X's chart-topping single 'Golden'.
Organisers said the gig was an "ultimate non-stop party for all ages", adding: "'K-Pop Forever!' will take audiences on a journey that they will never forget with four epic LIVE vocalists, accompanied by four world-class dancers amidst a background of eye-popping lighting and effects.
"With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record-breaking film KPop Demon Hunters, this spectacular is one not to be missed."
However, some ticketholders were left unimpressed by what they saw on stage last night. As Belfast Live notes, one parent called the show "a shambles".
"A K-Pop tribute band with not one KPop [Demon Hunters] song sang until one hour and 20 minutes into the show," they told the outlet. "There were children crying, the show wasn't as advertised."
Others reportedly complained on social media about the sound quality, "adult" costumes, unfamiliar music, and the photo used to advertise the concert. It is said that large numbers of attendees walked out before the show had finished.
But some people have defended the organisers, saying the official advertising explained that the evening would feature a range of K-Pop music, rather than just tracks from KPop Demon Hunters.
In a statement responding to the complaints, a spokesperson defended the concert: "We are aware of some feedback received following the 'K-Pop Forever! Tribute' show this evening at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
"The show played in Belfast tonight as part of a world tour, and the content, design and choreography has been built to represent the full K-Pop genre, featuring songs from BTS, BLACKPINK and KATSEYE, as well as eight hits from Demon Hunters including 'Golden', 'Takedown' and 'Soda Pop'."
They continued: "Whilst the majority of customers enjoyed the show, we understand that this was not what some expected; however, we are content that the show delivered this evening was an arena-standard tribute to the entire K-Pop genre."
Speaking to BBC News, one ticketholder - who attended along with her six-year-old daughter - said the pair had a "great night" and shared her surprise at the criticism.
"My expectations weren't big anyway. I knew what I signed up for. Whenever we bought the tickets, it was never advertised as a KPop Demon Hunters concert... it was K-Pop genre music."
Responding to some claims that the tribute show wasn't suitable for young children, explained that she "didn't think there was any problem". She added: "It's no different to if you went to a Katy Perry concert, if you went to a Beyoncé concert.
"Yes, the girls were wearing wee belly tops or wee bras but they had tops over them, and they had rips in their jeans."
Further 'K-Pop Forever! Tribute' dates are scheduled to take place at the SSE Arena on Monday February 23 and Saturday May 16. General admission tickets are priced at £38.95 on Ticketmaster.
There'll be more performances across the UK and Europe this year, including a slot at Camp Bestival and additional dates in Ireland.
Meanwhile, the stars of KPop Demon Hunters have called for Korean culture to be considered mainstream, rather than being distinguished with a "K" in front of it.
Next week will see EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI - who voice the singing trio HUNTR/X - perform as part of the BRITs 2026. They are also nominated for International Group at the ceremony. HUNTR/X are taking to the stage for the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday (February 22), too.
The newly reunited K-Pop icons BTS are due to embark on a world tour this year, beginning with a live-streamed performance on Netflix. Their new studio album, 'ARIRANG', is out on March 20.
