By KHT Staff
South Korean pop group BTS announced early Tuesday that it will perform three concerts in Kaohsiung this November, triggering a surge in online complaints about sudden hotel price hikes.
Fans on social media claimed that room rates jumped dramatically within hours of the announcement. One Threads user said a room that normally costs around NT$2,000 per night appeared to rise to NT$18,000 after midnight, accusing hotels of exploiting demand and calling on city authorities to investigate.
Screenshots shared online sparked widespread discussion, with users urging the Kaohsiung City Government to intervene, and some opting to book accommodation in Tainan instead.
Tourism Bureau Responds
Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) responded directly to the post, saying the claims lacked enough detail to determine whether any laws were violated. She said the original post did not specify the hotel name, room type, or number of nights booked, making verification difficult.
Kao encouraged travelers to submit screenshots and specific information so inspectors can follow up.
City Says Enforcement Is Ongoing
The Tourism Bureau said it has stepped up enforcement during major events and holidays. According to city data, officials have conducted 512 lodging inspections so far this year, with 345 cases focused specifically on room pricing.
Authorities said violators face fines on a room-by-room basis, a penalty structure designed to discourage price manipulation. The bureau urged businesses not to damage Kaohsiung’s tourism image by inflating prices and warned that enforcement will remain strict.
BTS is scheduled to perform in Kaohsiung on November 19, 21, and 22, marking one of the group’s largest concert events in southern Taiwan this year.
