‘Unforeseen circumstances' cancel G-Dragon's Bangkok show, sparking fan outrage over tour chaos
The Korea Herald reported that August 2 show at Rajamangala National Stadium was called off by organiser AEG Presents Asia on Thursday, citing 'unforeseen circumstances' without offering further details.
This adds to mounting frustration over the tour's disorganised rollout, especially in relation to the problematic arrangements for the Thailand concert by his agency, Galaxy.
The Bangkok cancellation highlights the chaos. Despite the show being scheduled during Thailand's rainy season at an outdoor venue, ticketing and seating details remained unclear, causing anxiety among local and international fans.
This is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Galaxy's management of G-Dragon's comeback.
Fans, frustrated with the lack of transparency, organised a protest outside the company's Seoul headquarters this week. Messages displayed on the trucks accused the agency of poor planning, prioritising third-party sales over loyal fan club members.
Further dissatisfaction has arisen from the choice of small venues in cities like Macao, Jakarta, and Melbourne, which failed to meet local demand. Additional shows were added with little notice, often resulting in gruelling three-day performance schedules for the artist. Fans have raised concerns about the toll this could take on G-Dragon's health and the lack of long-term planning.
A major issue has been the presale process. Paid fan club members were outraged to find VIP tickets for overseas concerts on third-party platforms before their own exclusive access, raising questions about the value of membership.
The disorganisation extends beyond Asia. Concerts in the US and Europe were announced with just two months' notice, leaving fans with little time to secure visas. To date, Paris is the only confirmed European city, fuelling speculation that Galaxy is struggling to secure venues.
Galaxy, an entertainment-technology firm with a focus on metaverse and AI, has faced criticism for its lack of experience in traditional artist management.
However, one executive from a major K-pop agency told the paper that Galaxy might not be entirely at fault, pointing out that 'World tour venues are usually booked by local or global promoters. It's likely 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 following his album release.'
Despite acknowledging Galaxy's lack of experience, the executive noted to The Korea Herald: 'G-Dragon should have been aware of that. This was his decision, and it came with risks.'
Compounding fan discontent is Galaxy's inaction regarding legal follow-through. Although the agency announced plans to take legal action against malicious online content in April, fans have seen no progress or updates, prompting concerns about Galaxy's commitment to protecting G-Dragon.
Galaxy remains silent on both the Bangkok cancellation and the fan protests. Despite this, G-Dragon's tour is set to continue with upcoming performances in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
GOT7's Jackson Wang to return to Malaysia on October 25 for Magic Man 2 World Tour
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Singer Jackson Wang will return to Malaysia later this year as part of his upcoming Magic Man 2 World Tour 2025-2026. Concert organiser iMe Malaysia announced on Facebook that the Hong Kong-born singer will perform in Kuala Lumpur on October 25, a Saturday. The post teased fans with the message: 'Guess who's back!? YOUR MAGIC MAN Jackson Wang IS BACK'. iMe Malaysia also urged fans to 'stay tuned to iMe MY for future updates!' The 31-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter made his debut in 2014 and rose to fame as a member of the K-pop boy group GOT7 under JYP Entertainment before establishing a successful solo career. He last performed in Malaysia in 2022 as part of his Magic Man tour.
Malay Mail
15 hours ago
- Malay Mail
‘There is no falsehood in my claims': Japanese teen idol files police report after alleged rape and pregnancy by producer's boyfriend
TOKYO, Aug 3 — A 19-year-old Japanese teen idol has filed a police report after allegedly being raped and impregnated by the boyfriend of the group's producer and influencer, Yurinya. The allegations were first leaked by Japanese YouTuber Korekore on August 1 and later confirmed by Yurinya in a social media statement, according to a report by Koreaboo. Yurinya named her former partner in the statement, saying, 'I am deeply saddened and feel a strong sense of responsibility that someone I trusted, Taichi Saito, committed such an extremely irresponsible and inconsiderate act.' 'As a producer and an individual, I want to make it clear that I strongly denounce his actions and have completely severed all personal and professional ties with him.' Korekore claimed that the idol, a member of Japanese idol group Pretty Chuu — identified as Ten-ten in Yurinya's statement and as Shuna Amamiya in Japanese media reports — was secretly undressed and filmed while asleep at Yurinya's home. Although Saito later apologised to her via Line messages, it was alleged that he subsequently raped her while she was asleep, resulting in a pregnancy and later, an abortion. Korekore alleged that Saito pressured Amamiya to stay silent and offered a settlement of ¥1 million (approximately RM28,878). Amamiya reportedly reached out to Korekore for help before filing a police report. Yurinya said she first learned of the incident through the leaked post and confirmed its accuracy after speaking with those involved. She pledged to prioritise the affected member's well-being and strengthen the group's support systems. In the statement, Yurinya also apologised to the idol involved, the other Pretty Chuu members, the staff and the fans for the worry and trouble caused by the incident. Pretty Chuu management had previously cited 'chronic illness' as the reason for Amamiya's hiatus. A recent review of the group's official Instagram page showed only five members, despite Pretty Chuu debuting with six. In a Twitter update yesterday, Korekore shared conflicting accounts of the incident: Amamiya claimed, 'There was no consent while in a drunken state,' while Saito said, 'They kissed me, and it was consensual.' Japanese police are reportedly reconstructing the situation, as the incident occurred in private and evidence remains inconclusive. Korekore revealed that Amamiya visited a hospital to request medical records in order to clarify whether her pregnancy was linked to the alleged assault or a previous relationship. 'The documents will arrive by mail in a few days,' they said. Amamiya has announced her withdrawal from idol activities and asserted, 'There is no falsehood in my claims.' Korekore urged the public to refrain from slandering either party as investigations are ongoing. Pretty Chuu debuted on June 16 and is described by its producer as embodying 'strength,' 'transience,' 'innocence' and 'pure maiden heart.' * If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women's Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Manga with a Malaysian soul: How Rise Production blends local folklore with Japanese style and modern storytelling
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The love for manga shows no signs of slowing down — in Malaysia, a deep passion for this art remains strong, with fans eagerly diving into its stories day after day. While many locals are familiar with Japanese manga — especially modern titles such as Spy x Family, My Hero Academia and Chainsaw Man — few may know that a local visual and IP development studio is taking things a step further by creating original manga that reflects Malaysia's unique culture and identity. Not to be confused with the many local comics found nationwide, this studio fully embraces the authentic Japanese manga aesthetic — from the detailed art style to the right-to-left reading format, mirroring the experience of a true Japanese manga. Meet Rise Production — a studio founded by comic artist and manga enthusiast named Cross — which began as a solo project and has since evolved into a full creative team, coming together just last year. Think of their manga as a fusion of action, mystery and supernatural thrills, with stories designed to resonate deeply with millennials and young adults. 'As a company targeting the manga style, I think we can safely say we are the only one in Malaysia,' said Cavan, 25, the producer at Rise Production. However, Cross and Cavan acknowledge that others may have similar aspirations, though they point out that execution varies widely, and each project tends to develop a unique style of its own. 'For us, you can call this a manga style, but it's also a Rise style. 'At the end of the day, it's up to the reader's interpretation,' Cavan added. Cavan, the producer at Rise Production, said the team aims to retell local cultures through the most globally recognised format which is manga. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Why create manga with Malaysian elements? Cavan stated that they wanted to retell local cultures through the most globally recognised format, which is manga. 'I think the popularity of manga can't be denied in this current day and age,' he said. 'We also grew up reading manga, liking the Japanese aesthetic, that's why we decided to go with the manga style. 'We want to stay true to the medium at the end of the day,' he added. An artist from Rise Production hand-drawing a character. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa The success of their local manga thus far Just a year after its formation as a full-fledged studio, its work has already gained favourable reviews in Malaysia. Titles like Ibu Gunung (2022) — a folk horror about a mysterious pregnant woman, which has sold over 500 copies — and Keramat (2024) — a supernatural story about a bomoh's son and a Taoist exorcist, with over 800 copies sold — have both been well received. Interest in their work has also grown beyond Malaysia, particularly in South-east Asian countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, as seen through strong engagement at conventions like Singapore Comic Con and Indonesia Comifuro. The growing demand led the team to release digital versions, particularly for titles like Keramat. However, Cavan noted that they don't plan to convert all their titles into e-books, as the team believes print still offers a more impactful experience. Sketches from Rise Production's on display. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa The studio's work has received notable recognition, with Ibu Gunung winning the Work In Progress (W.I.P.) Programme 2023 organised by Singapore Comic Con, and Keramat earning a place in the programme's Top 10. 'The response has been very welcoming,' said Cross. Before Rise Before coming together as an official studio, many of the artists who would form Rise had already established strong connections and gained recognition in the world of visuals. One notable example is the lead artist Cross, who partnered with influential Malaysian filmmaker and Grim Film CEO Jared Lee to create the local manga Horologist, which Jared wrote and directed. It debuted through self-publishing in 2021 and quickly sold out during its physical launch at Comic Fiesta, one of Malaysia's largest manga and anime conventions. Following its success, the project secured funding from MDEC and was developed into an animated short, with many of the artists — who would later form Rise — contributing to its production by illustrating backgrounds and props even before the studio was officially established. The Horologist anime, released in 2022, went on to win several accolades, including Best Animation at San Diego Comic-Con and Best Animation at the USA International Film Festival, both in 2023. It was also nominated for Best Animation and the Audience Choice Award at Poland's Animator 2023 International Animation Festival. Now officially united as Rise Production, the team has shown a strong interest in adapting their own manga into anime, particularly Keramat. However, their current priority is building momentum around their existing manga titles. What's next, and where to catch them? Rise Production has many collaborations in the works — including one with a Japanese publishing house, which will feature a brand-new title — along with plans to re-release some of their earlier manga. If you're wondering where to get their titles, you'll need to be patient as their manga isn't available in local bookshops and can only be obtained at selected events. The good news? You won't have to wait long as Rise Production will be appearing at Comic Fiesta 2025, this December, where they'll be unveiling several brand-new IPs alongside existing favourites like Keramat. In the meantime, you can check out a glimpse of their work or stay updated on their next event appearance on their social media accounts such as Facebook and Instagram. Changing the world with the power of manga The concept of creating stories using authentic manga styles has primarily been explored across Asia, especially in countries like Hong Kong and South Korea. While it cannot be confirmed that Rise Production is the only studio pursuing this approach in Malaysia, they are certainly gaining significant attention for pioneering it locally. 'We hope to be known as the manga powerhouse of Malaysia, and make as many great stories as we can, with much power, much passion. 'I believe great stories have the power for change, and we'll use manga to take us there,' Cross concluded.
