OPM artist Maki has issued a public apology after he and his siblings faced criticism online over videos of them obstructing the view of concertgoers’ during K-pop girl group TWICE’s recent concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Viral videos circulating on X showed Maki and his companions standing in a seated section near the stage, blocking the view of other attendees.
While the singer previously shared clips of his close interactions with TWICE members from his vantage point, fellow concertgoers were quick to call him out after videos from other perspectives surfaced online.
One user, who posted footage of the group standing and raising their hands, described the experience in one word: “badtrip.”
Another concertgoer, who sat behind the siblings, wrote, “Thanks I guess sa Maki Likod VIP Experience 😭 RIP sa mga fancams sa likod ninyo. This is not encore, guys — please be considerate of your surroundings!”
As the criticism grew on social media, Maki took to his official X page to apologize on behalf of himself and his siblings to concertgoers affected by their behavior, saying it was never their intention to ruin anyone’s experience.
“I just want to tell everyone behind us during the concert that I sincerely apologize also in behalf of my siblings. If I could go back and undo it, I would,” he wrote.
He explained it was their first time attending a K-pop concert, admitted they got overly excited and promised it would not happen again.
Maki continued, “The least thing that I want to happen is to take someone else’s moment during the concert just so we could enjoy. It really wasn’t our intention and we got too excited.”
“Not that it’s an excuse but it really is our first time to this K-pop concert culture [experience] since we’ve never been in any na we really know all the dance and songs. It was our dream to go there and I know it’s also yours too. I’m really sorry.”
The musician also asked netizens to avoid name-calling, took responsibility for his younger brother’s actions, and expressed regret for not guiding him better.
“Just for the sake of letting everyone know, if we want people to learn from their mistakes, let’s stop calling them names. rather, to be constructive is the best way to let them learn from their mistakes. So, spare my brother on this, it was my fault for not teaching him well.”
Maki’s brother, Haro Galang, also responded to a video with an apology.
“SORRYY POO huhuhuhu first time :(((Mag standing na po me next time promisee po yarnn!” he wrote.
The incident has sparked discussions online about proper concert etiquette, especially in seated sections where standing can obstruct the view of others.
“Here’s a gentle reminder that while it’s usually okay to stand up during Western artists’ concerts, it’s considered a major etiquette violation in K-pop/Asian artists’ concerts unless the artists themselves ask you to stand. If the crowd around you is seated, that’s your cue to stay seated too,” an X user shared.
They continued, “We should keep that in mind because while this person and others like him may have apologized, no sorry can undo the inconvenience they caused to the people behind them. These are memories missed, and even though they promise to “do better next time,” the people they inconvenienced might not even get a “next time” to see their [faves] again.”
Meanwhile, other users thanked Maki for addressing the issue quickly and taking accountability.
“Thank you for taking accountability for this maki. Let this be a lesson to everyone. Concert etiquette po is a must because we all paid to be there,” a user wrote, adding that those around them should have also reminded during the concert.
“As a K-pop con goer, I truly understand both sides and you know what, Maki, that’s okay! I love how accountable you are and that’s enough! Don’t let them break your sparks because that’s a dream that you’ve been aiming for!”, commented another.
“Makiiii :(( huhu as a Once, I understand both sides and thank you for posting this. Also, you don’t need to apologize for everything. Thank you for considering this moment a “lesson” that we can all learn from. We love you, Maki!! Hugs!!” an X user added.
