Is "Picketing" Too Much?... Do You Know About "Bakkat Standing"?

Following BTS and Coldplay, Oasis Fans Gather Near Venue Entrances
"We Want to See It Too" ? Singing Along Outside
Sharing "Prime Spot Maps"... Creating Another Standing Zone

On October 21, when the British band Oasis held their first concert in Korea in 16 years at Goyang Sports Complex, a different scene unfolded outside the venue. Crowds set up mats and mini tents on both sides of the stairs near the East and West gates. Most were audience members in their twenties, wearing merchandise T-shirts and bucket hats, sharing canned beer and chicken as they waited for the concert to begin. Once the main performance started, they stood up, put their arms around each other's shoulders, formed circles, jumped, and joined in singing along.

This phenomenon is known as "Bakkat Standing" (Outdoor Standing). As securing tickets has become increasingly difficult due to fierce competition-often called "picketing" (a combination of "blood" and "ticketing")-fans who failed to get tickets have created a new culture by gathering outside the venue to enjoy the music together. On site, the atmosphere was much like an additional standing zone. It was estimated that more than 200 people participated in outdoor standing that day.

Within fan communities, areas where part of the electronic display is visible or locations like the "N3 entrance," where the sound is particularly clear, are shared as prime spots. In fact, posts sharing "Bakkat Standing reviews" are regularly uploaded. Many share experiences that it feels "even freer than inside." Strangers share snacks and communicate openly without hesitation.

Lee Suji (21), whom we met outside the Oasis concert, said, "I couldn't get tickets, and even canceled tickets were hard to find, so I came for outdoor standing. I did envy those who got inside, but the atmosphere was so lively that I enjoyed it, and I even teared up during the encore." Lee Jaemin (25), who came with friends hoping to buy tickets on site, said, "Even though I couldn't get a ticket, I thought I'd just buy some merchandise and leave, but I couldn't bring myself to go. Like at a festival, I had fun singing along with my friends."

Oasis Outdoor Standing Zone view. Screenshot from an online community.

"Bakkat Standing" has been observed not only at Oasis concerts, but also at major events such as BTS member J-Hope's solo concert and Coldplay's performances in Korea. At some concerts, "Bakkat Ddaechang" (singing the chorus outside the venue) has emerged, and "prime spot maps" marking areas with good sound have been shared in fan communities, drawing crowds to those locations.

An official from a concert planning company explained, "For outdoor concerts, it is nearly impossible to completely block sound exposure, and fans disappointed at not being able to attend naturally gather outside, forming outdoor standing zones." The official added, "If people concentrate in certain external areas, we review whether to secure additional movement paths and deploy more safety personnel, and we also strengthen police patrols to ensure public safety."

A venue operations manager stated, "If fans arbitrarily designate 'standing zones,' the external space can effectively become part of the managed area. Some venues are even discussing expanding their external management boundaries." The manager continued, "Some venues prohibit outdoor standing, but if fans follow the instructions of staff and enjoy themselves safely, it could become a mature part of K-concert culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.