A special dinner show featuring three members of legendary first-generation K-pop group SECHSKIES has sparked controversy among fans over its expensive ticket packages and limited lineup.
The event, titled “THE TREE in INSPIRE: SECHSKIES’ Untold Story,” is scheduled to take place in December, ahead of the group’s 30th debut anniversary in 2027.
The announcement initially attracted attention because it will bring Ko Ji Yong, Jang Su Won, and Lee Jae Jin together for a special stage.
Ko Ji Yong’s participation is particularly notable, as he stepped away from the entertainment industry after SECHSKIES disbanded in 2000 and has largely remained outside the group’s musical activities.
However, excitement surrounding the reunion has been overshadowed by criticism of the event’s pricing, format, and participating members.
Some fans have questioned whether a costly resort dinner show is an appropriate way to mark the group’s approaching anniversary.
SECHSKIES Dinner Show Faces Criticism Over Expensive Packages and Limited Lineup
On October 30, event organiser Mountain Movement Story announced that Ko Ji Yong, Jang Su Won, and Lee Jae Jin would perform at INSPIRE Arena on Yeongjong Island in Incheon on December 15 and 16.
Both performances are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
The event is being promoted as a resort package combining admission to the show, a resort tour, and a formal dining experience.
The published package prices range from 454,000 won for a double room to 568,400 won for a Business Deluxe room and 898,400 won for a suite.
Although the packages include accommodation and dining, their prices have drawn criticism from fans who believe the cost is excessive for an event featuring only three members.
Some have also questioned the decision to promote the show under the SECHSKIES name when group leader Eun Ji Won and member Kim Jae Duck will not participate.
The lineup has therefore become another major point of discussion.
While Ko Ji Yong’s return has attracted considerable attention, some supporters expected a more comprehensive reunion involving the other members rather than a three-person commercial event.
The timing has added to the debate, as SECHSKIES will celebrate 30 years since their debut in 2027.
Fans who have followed the group for decades have expressed disappointment that the first major reunion announcement ahead of the anniversary is centred on an expensive dinner show rather than a broader musical project.
Jang Su Won Responds to Fan Backlash Over the Reunion Event
The controversy intensified after Jang Su Won addressed the criticism through Polis, the official fan community of J-Walk, the duo he formed with Kim Jae Duck following SECHSKIES’ disbandment.
Responding to questions about the event, Jang clarified that the dinner show was not officially connected to the group’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
He wrote,
“This is just an event and has absolutely nothing to do with the 30th anniversary.
Think of it as going to warm up before dancing at the 30th anniversary!
Rather than doing nothing and staying out of sight, I thought it would be better to make an effort to meet even one or two fans who have the time.”
However, his explanation did not completely ease the criticism.
Some fans questioned his description of the dinner show as a warm-up, arguing that the high package prices made the comparison inappropriate.
Others continued to express frustration over the limited lineup and the commercial nature of the event.
Ko Ji Yong’s participation has also attracted mixed reactions.
When SECHSKIES reunited through MBC’s “Infinite Challenge: ToToGa 2” in 2016, he made a special appearance but did not join the group’s subsequent music promotions.
His upcoming December performances will therefore mark a notable reunion with former groupmates.
SECHSKIES debuted in 1997 and became one of the influential groups of K-pop’s first generation.
With their 30th anniversary approaching, fans are continuing to discuss what the milestone could mean for the group’s future activities.
For now, “THE TREE in INSPIRE: SECHSKIES’ Untold Story” remains scheduled for December 15 and 16.
The organisers have announced the three-member lineup and resort dinner-show format, while questions surrounding its pricing and connection to the anniversary continue to dominate fan discussions.
