While wowing the 20,000-strong crowd at Gocheok Sky Dome, Ariana Grande’s first-ever Seoul concert also raised the eyebrows of some fans who thought the pop star’s attitude was “disrespectful.”

They took issues with her missing the rehearsal and the “Meet & Greet” fan session being cut in half because she was late, and the Instagram posting of her singing in a seemingly nonchalant manner in a bathroom just before the concert did little to help her case.

The comparison between her time in Korea with her days-long stay in Japan sparked complaints that her Korea visit may have been just a pit stop for her.

Ariana Grande (Hyundai Card)

It is unclear how much of the blame should fall on Grande, but it appears that her popularity in the country definitely took a hit with Tuesday’s concert.

Here are some global pop stars who either lost fans or gained a lot more with their performances in Korea.



Britney Spears’ lip-sync controversy

Britney Spears performs in Tokyo, Japan, for her 2017 Asia Tour on June 3 and 4. (iMe KOREA)

Pop fans waited years to hear the voice of the 1990s pop icon, but Britney Spears’ June concert only seemed to tease her die-hard fans.

While many said her performance was top-notch, Spears filled much of her set list with lip-sync performances. This left some fans unsatisfied, as they did not get much chance to hear the star sing.



Richard Marx’s no show

A promotional poster for Richard Marx's concert.

OK, North Korea is an unpredictable “rogue” nation, and its missile threats are no joke.

But that does not mean Korea fans of Richard Marx were not disappointed when the star called off his June concert.

Marx is slated to finally visit Korea in October, and he has expressed his intent to apologize to Korean fans about the matter.



Wiz Khalifa’s extended stay

American rapper Wiz Khalifa performs at Culture Square in Seoul Sports Complex on Wednesday, headlining the Seoul Sessions Live Music Event 2017. (Mixmag Korea)

If Grande’s problem was that she stayed for just hours in Korea, Wiz Khalifa definitely did not have that problem.

The hip-hop superstar asked the Korean promoters to extend the time that he would perform at May’s Seoul Sessions Live Music Event.

He promised the fans that he would give them “an unforgettable experience” -- according to the organizers -- and he delivered on his pledge at the festival.



Coldplay shows love

Coldplay performs uring its April 15 concert in Seoul. (Yonhap)

Coldplay’s concert in April satisfied the fans both in terms of music and sincerity.

In addition to a kick-ass performance in Seoul that lasted over two hours, the band also paid tribute to the victims of 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy and showed love for the country by kissing the national flag Taegeukki during the concert.

Ok, maybe kissing the flag was over-the-top, but it showed that the band’s sincerity in wanting to please fans who have waited years for their first concert here.
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)