Venue uncertainty clouds MBC concert as booking remains unconfirmed just weeks before event

False rumors regarding the venue for MBC’s upcoming K-pop concert are circulating online, with social media posts claiming to confirm a location despite official sources indicating the venue remains undecided.

The “Show! Music Core in Macau,” scheduled for February 7-8, has been officially announced with a star-studded lineup of K-pop acts, but the critical detail of where the performances will take place remains in limbo. Misinformation spreading across Chinese social media platforms has asserted the event will be held at the Macao Outdoor Performance Venue, one of the city’s largest outdoor concert sites. However, venue representatives confirmed Tuesday that no final booking confirmation has been issued.

Industry sources revealed that MBC submitted an application to reserve the venue back in October. Under Chinese regulations, permits for large-scale performances typically require approval approximately 45 days before an event. With barely three weeks remaining until the scheduled concert dates, industry experts question whether the necessary approvals can be secured in time.

“We consider it highly irregular that an official artist lineup announcement was made when there is still no venue approved and less than a month remains before the scheduled performance,” said an industry insider who requested anonymity. “Under normal circumstances, venue bookings should be secured at least six months in advance… ‘Show! Music Core in Macau’ does not appear to be feasible at this point, and it seems unclear by what means the performance would be carried out.”

The situation has created significant uncertainty for fans and artists alike. MBC’s announced lineup features prominent K-pop acts including Boy Next Door, Enhypen, Le Sserafim, Mark, WayV, Zerobaseone, Alpha Drive One, Hearts2hearts, Izna, Kickflip and Ten – representing some of the industry’s most popular performers. Ticket sales, originally scheduled to begin in mid-January, have yet to materialize as venue confirmation remains pending.

When contacted for comment, MBC representatives stated that official announcements would be released gradually through press releases, offering no specific timeline for resolving the venue situation.

This is not the first hurdle for the event. Sources familiar with the planning process indicate MBC initially attempted to stage the concert in Hong Kong but abandoned those plans following allegations that the broadcaster tried to take over a venue already booked by another entity. Reports suggest MBC pressured the original reservation holder to withdraw, creating controversy. When securing a Hong Kong venue ultimately proved impossible, organizers reportedly pivoted to Macau as an alternative location.

The situation highlights the complex logistics involved in organizing international K-pop events, particularly in the competitive Greater China market. Major K-pop concerts typically require months of advance planning, venue security, substantial technical preparations, and navigation of local regulatory requirements. The unusual timeline for this event has raised eyebrows throughout the industry.

For fans eagerly awaiting the concert, the lack of venue confirmation and ticket sales information creates significant uncertainty. K-pop enthusiasts, many of whom make travel arrangements well in advance to attend such high-profile events, now face the possibility of last-minute changes or potential cancellation.

Industry analysts note that MBC’s handling of the situation could potentially impact the broadcaster’s relationship with venues and regulatory authorities in the region for future events. The tight timeline also raises questions about whether artists and production teams will have adequate preparation time should approvals eventually come through.

MBC has not provided further details regarding contingency plans should the venue booking remain unconfirmed as the concert dates approach.