Vietnamese fans are demonstrating immense enthusiasm for Big Bang's upcoming concerts in Hanoi, with many spending significant amounts to secure tickets. On the morning of 13/8, organizers opened early ticket sales at 10h via online channels. To participate, fans needed an official membership package issued by YG Entertainment, Big Bang's management company, priced at over 400,000 VND. Tens of thousands of accounts simultaneously accessed the system, seeking a chance to see their idols perform. By 12h, organizers announced that all priority tickets had sold out. On 17/8, the organizing unit will open sales for non-members.

The concert, a highly anticipated event, is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees each night, a turnout comparable to Blackpink's two performances at the same venue in 2023. This surge in demand has already impacted travel costs, with round-trip airfares from TP HCM to Hanoi during the concert period now about one to two million VND higher than previously. This increase coincides with a fourfold rise in searches for travel to Hanoi, according to a VnExpress survey.

Hoai Phuong, 29, from TP HCM, was among the dedicated fans aiming for the highest ticket tier. He noted that this year, organizers permitted only one login per account per device. Believing most fans would prioritize the first night, he chose to buy tickets for the second night first to ease competitive pressure. Phuong "queued" in position 17,800 on the waiting list. "During the wait, I was anxious, fearing I wouldn't get the desired tier," he said. "About 20 minutes later, I was thrilled to secure two Diamond tickets, priced at 9,8 million VND each."

The platform announced that early bird tickets for the first phase of both concert nights were sold out. *C Ticket*

Phuong's dedication didn't stop there. He then continued to "hunt" for tickets for the 24/10 night, aiming for prices between two and 3,5 million VND. However, as these tiers were unavailable, he plans to try again when official sales open. Phuong discovered Big Bang in 2008 after seeing the group in magazines and being impressed by their fashion style. About two years later, he started listening to their music and became a fan. Later, he met his wife, and they both shared the same idols.

To prepare for the trip, Phuong and his wife booked a hotel in Hanoi for about two million VND for three nights. He researched round-trip airfares, finding them to be nearly nine million VND per person. Besides travel costs, they plan to buy merchandise and invest in outfits matching the concert's concept. If they secure tickets for both nights, the couple estimates the total trip cost will exceed 40 million VND.

Le Van, 22, from Hanoi, was also among the early bird ticket seekers. She reported that the login and booking process was smooth, and the website operated stably. After about 20 minutes of waiting, Van purchased a Diamond tier ticket for 9,8 million VND for the second night. She plans to buy another 3,5 million VND ticket for the first night to experience both performances. However, upon accessing the system, this ticket tier was temporarily unavailable. Van stated she would wait until the official sales launch to continue her search.

Unlike Hoai Phuong and Le Van, Hai Yen, 23, from Hanoi, couldn't buy tickets due to a computer malfunction. She plans to wait for the next sales round on 17/8 or try to buy from others, but worries about the risk of scams with this option.

G-Dragon, Big Bang's leader, performing at a concert in Hung Yen in 11/2025. *Organizers provided*

The Big Bang concert features 10 ticket tiers: Ultimate VIP Package - 10,5 million VND; Diamond VIP Package - 9,8 million VND; Gold VIP Package - 8,5 million VND; Premium Seating - 7,5 million VND; Standing Zone - 4,5 million VND; CAT 1 - 6,5 million VND; CAT 2 - 5,5 million VND; CAT 3 - 3,5 million VND; CAT 4 - 2 million VND; and CAT 5 - one million VND.

Hanoi is one of Big Bang's tour stops, alongside other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. This news was immediately welcomed by Vietnamese fans. Last year, the group's leader G-Dragon had two performances in Hung Yen, attracting nearly 100,000 fans.

Big Bang debuted in 2006 with five members: Seungri, G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, and Daesung. All members possessed strong singing abilities, good coordination, songwriting skills, and fluid choreography, pursuing hip-hop and R&B genres. The group frequently received "Artist of the Year", "Song of the Year", and "Album of the Year" awards at major Asian music ceremonies. By early 2010, their success extended to the US market. In 2015, Big Bang released MADE, which achieved widespread acclaim.

In 2018, things changed for Big Bang as members sequentially enlisted in the military. Their final release featuring all five members was Flower Road. Returning in 2022, the group had only four members; Seungri was no longer active after receiving a three-year prison sentence starting in 8/2021. In 2023, T.O.P also confirmed his departure from the group. In 2024, the group generated buzz by reuniting with a three-member lineup at the MAMA awards ceremony.

Ha Thu