BTS fans are criticizing alleged price gouging by Busan accommodations ahead of the group’s concerts in the southern port city, taking to online forums to condemn skyrocketing room rates. One room typically costing 60,000 won ($40) per night reportedly spiked to 760,000 won during the concert period, sparking widespread outrage among fans. BTS will hold concerts in the city on June 12 and 13 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour. The dates overlap with the group’s debut anniversary on June 13, raising expectations that domestic and global fans will travel to Busan in large numbers. The Busan Metropolitan Government is also preparing related events. Fans criticized the accommodations for excessive rate hikes capitalizing on surging demand surrounding the event. The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency said they checked 135 Busan hotels and motels, finding average concert-week room rates more than doubled compared to the weekends before and after the event. Motel rates more than tripled from normal levels, while hotel rates nearly tripled. Some properties set prices mo

Annie, the idol member known as the eldest daughter of Korea’s powerful Shinsegae retail family, is drawing attention after sharing photos from her graduation at Columbia University. On Friday, Annie uploaded several photos on social media without a caption, giving fans a glimpse of her graduation ceremony in New York. The photos show Annie posing around the university campus in a light blue graduation gown, showcasing an elegant and polished look. Her long straight hairstyle and minimal styling added to the refined image that quickly sparked buzz online. In several shots, Annie is seen holding her graduation cap while looking directly into the camera, highlighting the poised visuals and luxury-family aura that have frequently made headlines since her entertainment debut. Annie is the granddaughter of Lee Myung-hee, chairwoman of Shinsegae Group, and the eldest daughter of Chung Yoo-kyung, chairwoman of Shinsegae. Because of her background, Annie has often attracted attention as a rare “chaebol idol” figure in K-pop. She debuted in June last year as a member of the co-ed group ALLDA