Comedian Lee Sang Jun left an apology after harsh reviews poured in from the first performance of the '2026 Lee Sang Jun Show world tour,' and the organizers also admitted fault and bowed their heads.
On the 5th, the 'Lee Sang Jun Show' posted on its official account, "We sincerely apologize to the audience who experienced discomfort due to sound issues during the performance," adding, " The North American tour's production and technical staff are operating locally in the United States, so we needed time immediately after the performance to confirm the facts. As a result of our checks, we found that there was a problem with sound delivery in some seats in front of the venue speakers."
It added, "The U.S. promoter also confirmed this and offered apologies and took necessary measures for the audience members in those seats. We will inspect more thoroughly and do our best to ensure the same problem does not occur in the remaining tour performances," and promised, "The Lee Sang Jun Show grew from small theaters based on audience feedback. We will always listen to the valuable opinions of our audience to create better performances."
The 'Lee Sang Jun Show' also added, "However, we earnestly ask that people refrain from indiscriminately spreading unconfirmed information as fact or continuing criticism based on it. We will repay you with more polished performances going forward."
Earlier, on the 2nd (local time) in Los Angeles, the '2026 Lee Sang Jun Show world tour' took place. However, negative reviews pointing out the venue's poor conditions and attitude despite high ticket prices continued to appear. Ticket prices for the 'Lee Sang Jun Show' were $100, $150, $173, which in Korean won amounted to as little as 140,000 won and as much as 210,000 won or 240,000 won, by no means small amounts.
One fan's candid negative review exceeded 1.3 million views, and the fan lamented, "I was greatly comforted thinking it wasn't just me who was uncomfortable. But on the other hand, I'm angrier. If so many people knew about this, someone—either Mr. Lee Sang Jun himself or someone involved in the production—must have been aware of the problem, yet there has still been no proper explanation or apology, which is very disappointing. Because I was a real fan, I even bought an expensive VIP ticket and went with expectations, but I couldn't properly hear the content due to the core sound issues of the performance, and seeing that there has been no statement since, I feel bitter that Korean audience members in the U.S. are being taken too lightly," they said.
In addition, complaints exploded: "I thought it would be an hour and a half but it was only about 1 hour 10 minutes, and it's supposed to be banter with the audience but I couldn't hear any of what the audience said. The venue sound and temperature all felt underprepared," "The sound was bad so I couldn't hear well and what kind of nerve is it to appear 10 minutes late? Even if I get a free ticket next time, I might consider it," "I was on the left and somehow the sound echoed so I couldn't hear well. I watched it thinking it's fine, but on reflection it seems they didn't properly check the sound," "Appeared 10 minutes late, a one-hour show and I didn't hear a thing. He mumbled so much I wanted to leave, but I endured it because it's rude to leave front-row seats. The ticket was $173 (about 240,000 won), it was so lacking in sincerity. So insincere. #refund #annoyed," "I was at the 3 p.m. show and couldn't hear at all. They just offered the ridiculous excuse that the venue naturally echoes," "I had high expectations but was totally disappointed, paid $150 for front row but they didn't check the venue and the sound system was a mess so I couldn't hear anything. Not just me—people on the left side also complained they couldn't hear anything; if you're doing a world tour you should check the venue system in advance and prepare properly, I'm really pissed," "Totally agree, $150 was such a waste" and so on.
In the end, on the 5th Lee Sang Jun posted on his personal social media, "I confirmed that some people felt discomfort during the performance after it ended. You came to laugh and have fun, and I am so sorry. I apologize again and again," and apologized, "I will continue to research and study, show increasingly improved performances, and keep working to create really big laughs!! I apologize once again."
The following is the full official statement from the 'Lee Sang Jun Show'
First North American tour LA show! Following the guerrilla concert, we sincerely thank the LA audience for filling many seats at this performance.
We also sincerely apologize to the audience who experienced discomfort due to sound issues during the performance.
The North American tour's production and technical staff are operating locally in the United States, so we needed time immediately after the performance to confirm the facts. As a result of our checks, we found that there was a problem with sound delivery in some seats in front of the venue speakers.
The U.S. promoter also confirmed this and offered apologies and took necessary measures for the audience members in those seats. We will inspect more thoroughly and do our best to ensure the same problem does not occur in the remaining tour performances.
The Lee Sang Jun Show grew from small theaters based on audience feedback. We will always listen to the valuable opinions of our audience to create better performances.
However, we earnestly ask that people refrain from indiscriminately spreading unconfirmed information as fact or continuing criticism based on it. We will repay you with more polished performances going forward.
We are always grateful to the audience who love the Lee Sang Jun Show. See you in Atlanta!!!<
[Photo] SNS
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