Blackpink fans have once again proved their love and dedication for the K-pop sensation after their recent concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Hordes of fans flocked to the city, not just from Taiwan, but also from neighboring countries, to catch a glimpse of the world-famous band. However, it wasn’t just the packed concerts that left an impact; it was the additional spending by the Blackpink army that has left many astounded. From merch booths to local stores, Blackpink’s presence in Kaohsiung undoubtedly made an economic impact. In this article, we’ll explore how Blackpink fans spent big bucks after their Kaohsiung concerts, and the boost it provided to the local economy of Taiwan.
The recent performances by the South Korean pop band Blackpink in Kaohsiung drew more than 90,000 people to the city’s night markets according to Kaohsiung City Government officials. The two concerts, held over the weekend at the Kaohsiung National Stadium, offered concertgoers NT$50 vouchers to spend locally in exchange for showing their ticket stubs. As a result, sales at the Liouhe Night Market (六合夜市), in particular, surged 20 to 30 percent, with seats filled until 1:30 am, said management committee head Chuang Chi-chang (莊其章). Almost all seats were filled with only a few vacant spots throughout the market, he added.
To prepare for increased numbers of visitors, night market vendors roughly doubled their stock in expectation of more customers. Vendors are also anticipating more crowds in the coming weeks, which include events by Taiwanese rock band Mayday (五月天), Taiwanese pop diva A-mei (阿妹), and the Megaport Festival. Mayday is scheduled to play four days of concerts in Kaohsiung from next Wednesday until April 2, while A-mei will hold events on Friday and Saturday next week, April 3 to 5, April 8 to 9, and April 14 to 16. The Megaport Festival is scheduled for April 1 and 2.
Rueifong Night Market (瑞豐夜市) official Ho Jung-pin (何榮彬) reported a 20 to 30 percent increase in sales over the weekend attributed to the Blackpink concerts. Shinkuchan Shopping District manager Yang Hsiang-ming (楊翔茗) noted that stores had received many of the city vouchers over the two days, which boosted sales. Store owners are also looking forward to holidays in April and more crowds from upcoming concerts and events, he added.
Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau Director-General Liao Tai-hsiang (廖泰翔) remarked that the city government expects the series of concerts this month and next month to attract at least 400,000 visitors, a welcome boost for the 45 businesses partnering with a government program, and more than 100 stall owners in night markets. The events are a crucial aspect of Taiwan’s continuing efforts to revive its economy, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a post on Facebook, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) thanked Blackpink and their fans for the concerts and also acknowledged the personnel who assisted with directing crowds at public transportation facilities after the performances. With a dedicated and enthusiastic effort to revive its economy, Kaohsiung and the rest of Taiwan are primed to make a robust comeback in the year ahead.
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