K-pop supergroup BTS's reunion concert sparked a frenzy at Seoul's internet cafes, where fans gathered to secure tickets for the highly anticipated event. The concert, scheduled for March 21 in downtown Seoul, is expected to draw over 200,000 people. Fans like Cindy Antonia, 24, booked from multiple devices at T1 Base Camp internet cafe, hoping for faster connections.

Internet cafes in South Korea remain vibrant social spaces where young people gather to play games or watch videos together. For 2,000 Korean won ($1.30) processing fee, fans can attend the nearly free concert, but tickets sold out almost instantly during presales and general sales. The domestic media has dubbed this the "BTS ticket war."

Despite beliefs that cafes offer faster internet, staff members at T1 Base Camp said connections are typically more stable but not significantly faster than home service. The communal atmosphere created pressure and excitement as fans bonded over shared stress and fandom. After nearly an hour of attempts, Antonia finally secured tickets using a friend's credit card, celebrating with screams of joy and hugs.