With less than three weeks remaining until the highly anticipated LA event of the Korean concert series “Waterbomb,” organizers have announced an indefinite postponement, leaving fans who had already booked flights and accommodations in a state of frustration and financial loss.
On September 8, the Waterbomb team took to their official Instagram account to inform fans that the event would be postponed due to various “operational challenges.” They assured fans that they would return better prepared for the event, prioritizing safety and offering an improved experience.
However, fans were deeply disappointed, especially since the organizers had continued to signal that the event was moving forward as planned.
Waterbomb has garnered significant attention in Korea as a unique summer event where attendees enjoy music while being splashed with water. The upcoming LA event was set to be the first Waterbomb held in the U.S., scheduled for August 28 and 29 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.
The postponement decision appears to be the continuation of controversy that began on September 3, when the event organizers altered ticket policies. They converted all previously seated tickets to standing-only and raised prices from $80–$150 to $260.
This move angered fans, particularly those expecting lower-priced seating options, with many criticizing the change as “outrageous” and expressing doubts about attending future concerts.
Despite the confusion, fans had still hoped the event would proceed as scheduled. The sudden announcement of an indefinite delay has only heightened their disappointment.
Fans who had already booked flights and accommodations are voicing their frustrations online. One Instagram user, @emilysuu, who appears to reside in Texas, questioned, “What happens to my flight, Airbnb, and hotel reservations?”
Another user, @randomatinyy, expressed frustration: “They made me repurchase tickets twice, and now they postpone indefinitely just a week later.” A third user, @thatasiangrant, suggested, “At this point, we should file a class-action lawsuit.”
The organizers have stated that automatic refunds will be processed through AXS, with refunds expected to take up to 30 days to complete.
Yoon-Hye Park, manager at the event’s main organizer, Made One, issued a brief statement to the Korea Daily, saying, “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
BY YOONJAE JUNG, YOUNGNAM KIM [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
