The TV drama Lovely Runner, starring Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, has been a massive hit. Its popularity led to a special event for the final episode, where fans could watch with the cast at four theaters in CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall. Despite the excitement, issues arose, causing discontent among fans.

Tickets Sold Out in 5 Minutes

The ticket price was set at just one thousand won, allowing fans to meet the cast members. Tickets went on sale on May 22, 2024, and were gone within five minutes, with a waiting list forming 30 minutes before sales even began. The enthusiasm was palpable, but it soon turned to frustration.

Server Issues and Scalping

The high demand caused server crashes on both the website and app just 10 minutes before reservations opened. Criticisms also arose about the ticket purchase rules. Although tvN limited one ticket per person with identity verification, some managed to bypass these rules, buying multiple tickets at kiosks.

The situation worsened with the appearance of ticket brokers. Originally priced at one thousand won, some tickets were resold for up to 300,000 won . This prompted actor Song Geon Hee to address the issue directly, urging fans not to buy from scalpers and promising that steps would be taken to resolve the matter.

It’s disheartening to see such an exciting event overshadowed by technical issues and scalping. It’s clear that the popularity of Lovely Runner has created a fervor that’s both thrilling and challenging. The enthusiasm of fans is commendable, but the need for better management and enforcement of ticketing rules is evident. Hopefully, future events can learn from these hiccups to provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.