This concert is not an event planned to declare or push for Sechs Kies' official reunion or full-group activities,
the organizer of THE TREE in INSPIRE – the untold story of Sechskies
stated on November 4, following intense backlash from fans regarding the return of former member Ko Ji-yong.
The announcement from Mountain Movement Story aims to clarify the nature of the upcoming December performance at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. The event features Ko alongside members Lee Jai-jin and Jang Su-won, but the agency maintains that the show is a separate planned event designed to share music and memories rather than a formal group reunion. The organizer added that there has been no announcement declaring Ko’s official joining of Sechs Kies or stating he will participate in future group activities.
Fans demand end to brand exploitation
A Sechs Kies fan coalition issued a formal statement on November 2, expressing “deep regret” and declaring that they strongly oppose
Ko Ji-yong’s attempts to rejoin the group’s activities. The alliance argued that the group’s name and trademark have been used for personal and commercial gain without authorization, causing significant disappointment to the fandom. The union noted that since its debut in 1997, Sechs Kies has been a name preserved through the dedication and affection of its members and fans.
The dispute is rooted in long-standing tensions. Mediafine reports that in the past, fans demanded the removal of Ko’s name from the group’s official profiles on portal sites.
The statement further warned that proceeding with his return despite betraying fan trust would damage the group’s image and divide the fandom.
Company clarifies room rates were not concert ticket prices
The event has also faced criticism over costs. The company stated, The room rates were mistakenly reported as event ticket prices,
explaining that the amounts cited—454,000 won for a double room, 568,400 won for a business deluxe room, and 898,400 won for a suite—applied to Inspire Hotel rooms rather than the concert itself.
Timeline of group activities
The upcoming December show marks the first time Ko will share a stage with Sechs Kies members in approximately 10 years. His last appearance with the group was a surprise moment during a 2016 reunion on MBC’s Infinite Challenge.
Although he appeared at that guerrilla concert, he did not participate in the group’s subsequent official activities.
While the December event is organized ahead of the group’s 30th anniversary in 2027, members Eun Ji-won and Kim Jae-deok will not be participating in this specific program.
Scheduled performance details
The special event is set to take place at the following time and location:
| Event Name | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| “THE TREE in INSPIRE – the untold story of Sechskies” | December 15–16 (6 p.m.) | Inspire Arena, Incheon |