So You Want BTS VIP Tickets? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you read my last post, "BTS Military Discharge Tour: Why Getting Tickets Will Be a Bloodbath," you already know that just securing any BTS ticket will be a full-on war. But let’s say you’ve decided to go all out for VIP which includes soundcheck, early entry, the whole shebang. What exactly does that include? Is it worth it? And most importantly, how does BTS’s VIP experience stack up against other groups?
The Current BTS VIP Experience: What Do You Get?
BTS’s VIP tickets come with a few exclusive perks that make the price slightly easier to justify. Here’s what’s typically included:
1. Soundcheck Access
The biggest reason most people buy BTS VIP tickets is soundcheck access. This is the golden perk. You get to see BTS perform a few songs before the actual concert begins, with the members dressed casually, and vibing to their own music in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. It’s a rare opportunity to see BTS just being themselves before the show. However, don’t expect them to come up to fans and have full conversations. This isn’t an intimate fan engagement—it’s literally a rehearsal that you paid extra to witness. Also, there’s a strict no-recording policy (which, let’s be honest, never fully stops ARMY from sneaking in clips).
2. Early Entry
Early entry is crucial if your ticket is for floor GA (general admission standing). The earlier you get into the venue, the better your chance of securing a good spot near the barricade. However, as we discussed in Part 1, if you’re short and don’t manage to get into the first three rows, floor GA might not be worth it at all. There’s a high chance you’ll be completely blocked by taller fans, waving lightsticks, and recording every moment on their phones. If you can’t guarantee a close spot, VIP early entry doesn’t mean much beyond getting inside faster.
3. VIP-Only Merch Booth
BTS VIP also includes a VIP-only merch booth, which can be a lifesaver. If you’ve ever been to a BTS concert, you know how painful the general merch lines are. Some people start queuing up the night before just to grab their must-have items before they sell out. VIP ticket holders get access to a separate merch booth, which means shorter lines and possibly exclusive items that won’t be available at the standard booths. However, depending on the venue, the VIP merch booth can still be chaotic, so it’s not always a guaranteed stress-free experience.
4. VIP Goodie Bag & Lanyard
Then there’s the VIP goodie bag and lanyard, which, in all honesty, feels like a consolation prize. The goodie bag usually consists of a drawstring bag, a lanyard with a VIP laminate, and maybe a sticker set or small keepsake. Given the price of VIP tickets, many ARMYs feel like this part of the package could be way better. Some fans have said that the VIP package feels more like a paid fast-pass into the venue rather than a premium experience with exclusive perks.
That being said, VIP goodie bags for BTS concerts in Seoul are on a completely different level. If you’re lucky enough to attend a BTS concert in South Korea, expect premium treatment. In the past, Seoul VIP attendees have received Calvin Klein apparel, luxury perfumes, high-end merch, delicious catered meals, and exclusive limited-edition items. It seems that for BTS’s hometown shows, a lot more effort goes into making VIP feel like a truly premium experience. Meanwhile, for international concerts, VIP goodie bags often feel like an afterthought.
What BTS VIPs Used to Include (And What’s Missing Now)
Back in the day, BTS VIPs used to be a legendary perk. In earlier tours, VIP included actual meet & greets, where fans had the opportunity to interact with the members in person. Fans got to shake hands, take photos, and have brief but genuine moments with the BTS members. Imagine standing face to face with Jungkook or getting a hug from Jin - sounds like a dream right? In fact, Jin recently brought back this experience post-military by hosting a Meet & Greet for ARMYs in Seoul, proving that BTS still values direct fan interactions. Unfortunately, for international ARMYs, these intimate VIP perks have been completely phased out, likely due to their overwhelming popularity and logistical challenges. It’s understandable, but it still hurts knowing that VIP used to mean a chance to actually meet them.
Another thing that’s missing from today’s VIP experience is signed merchandise. In the past, some VIP packages included signed albums, posters, or photocards as part of the deal. Now? You’re lucky if you even get a printed signature on the VIP lanyard. It feels like BTS VIP has downgraded over time, despite the fact that their concerts are more expensive than ever.
How Can HYBE Improve Their VIP Experience?
Given how much fans pay for VIP, HYBE concert experience should include more than just a lanyard and early entry. Bringing back meet & greets for a select number of VIP ticket holders would make the experience truly special again. At the very least, including signed merchandise would make the VIP package feel more premium.
Another improvement would be bringing back assigned floor seating instead of general admission standing. The VIP goodie bag could also use an upgrade—a high-quality photobook, exclusive VIP-only merch, or even a special photocard set would make a huge difference. If BLACKPINK can offer a VIP lounge, why can’t HYBE? A designated VIP area with refreshments and seating would make the experience feel less like a struggle and more like a luxury.
Most importantly, HYBE should consider giving VIP ticket holders a Seoul-level experience internationally. If Calvin Klein merch, luxury perfume, and catered meals can be offered in South Korea, why can’t VIP attendees in other countries get something more thoughtful than a basic drawstring bag?
Is BTS VIP Worth It?
So after all this, the big question remains: is BTS VIP worth it?
✅ YES, if:
- You love soundcheck and want to see BTS up close, even for a short time.
- You’re doing floor standing and need early entry to get a good spot.
- You want a slightly less painful merch shopping experience.
❌ NO, if:
- You’re expecting a personal interaction with BTS (that ship has sailed).
- You don’t want to camp outside all day to secure a good view.
At the end of the day, BTS VIP is a solid experience. With BTS coming back from military service, I really hope HYBE steps it up for their 2025 tour. Otherwise, it’s just another overpriced fight for a decent view.
Until then, start saving, start manifesting, and may the Ticketmaster gods be in your favor.
