GD concert organizer exposed for cryptocurrency scam! Artist reveals Machi Production's dark history

GD will hold the “K-Spark” concert in Malaysia on January 31, featuring artists such as ITZY and HWASA. The organizer, Machi Production, was exposed by artist Huang Zhiwei for owing performance fees for “Shocking Arena,” and Chris Wong, who founded a virtual currency investment website, is involved in a scam. Refunds were only issued for one installment before contact was lost. Huang questions why the management company would cooperate with an inexperienced and controversial company.

Artist Reveals Machi Production’s Double Black History

Artist Huang Zhiwei publicly named the concert organizer Machi Production on social media, urging fans and media to stay highly alert regarding the company’s recent concert notices. Huang revealed that two of the company’s shareholders are involved in film debt and virtual currency investment scams, and even disclosed that some friends have been victimized.

Huang pointed out that one shareholder, surnamed Jin, participated in the Chinese film “Shocking Arena.” Although the film was released in 2025, this shareholder was accused of owing payments to staff and actors. Huang stated that he has not received some of his personal performance fees, promotional service payments, or even out-of-pocket expenses for hair and makeup. The other party has refused to communicate and is currently uncontactable.

Film debts alone can trigger trust issues, but more serious is the involvement of another shareholder, Chris Wong, in cryptocurrency scams. According to Huang, this shareholder established a virtual currency investment website years ago and solicited investments. After being introduced by a friend, Huang found that the investment account could not be logged into, suspecting it was a scam.

Typical Tactics of Cryptocurrency Scams

Technical issues delaying refunds: Repeatedly postponing refunds citing system failures, maintenance, etc.

Installment repayment bait: Promising to repay in installments to build trust, but disappearing after the first payment.

Complete disappearance: Cutting off all contact after receiving the first installment.

During the refund process, the other party repeatedly delayed citing technical problems. Although they promised to repay in installments, they vanished after only one payment, refusing all contact. This modus operandi is typical of cryptocurrency scams: establish trust, create an investment illusion, set withdrawal barriers, and finally run away with the money.

Huang emphasized that he is making this public because several friends have encountered similar scams. He hopes to prevent more people from being victimized. He welcomes media inquiries for detailed information and sincerely hopes no one else will be deceived. Such public disclosures are rare in the entertainment industry, as they may face legal action or industry blacklisting, but Huang chose to speak out to highlight the seriousness of the issue.

Why is the management company cooperating with an inexperienced controversial company?

Huang raised a core question: “As a performer, I deeply believe that no artist or management company would cooperate with a brand-new company with no experience in organizing performances and with shareholders involved in business disputes!” This question points directly to the most bizarre aspect of the incident.

As the king of Korean pop music, GD’s concert organizers are usually top-tier companies with extensive experience in large-scale events and solid financial systems. However, Machi Production is a new company with no record of organizing major performances, yet it managed to secure the rights to organize concerts for top artists like GD, ITZY, and HWASA. This unusual partnership has sparked many speculations.

One possibility is that Machi Production offered a fee far above market rates, attracting management companies to cooperate. But such a strategy is highly risky commercially, as concert profits depend on ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise. If the organizer charges too high a fee, it’s almost impossible to break even. This kind of cost-unreasonable bidding often signals a scam—initially securing artists with high payments, then profiting through ticket fraud, fake sponsorships, or running away with the money.

Another possibility is that Machi Production has a special relationship with certain middlemen or brokers, bypassing normal vetting processes. The entertainment industry has many gray areas; some management companies may transfer performance rights to unqualified local organizers to quickly monetize or reduce risks. If GD’s management company adopted such a model, they might not be aware of the actual organizer’s background.

A third possibility involves contractual traps. Machi Production might have set clauses favorable to itself, such as low prepayment ratios or penalties for cancellation borne by the artists. When problems arise, artists and management may find themselves in a highly unfavorable legal position. Such contract designs are common in international performances, given the different legal systems involved, making rights protection costly.

How should fans protect themselves?

For fans who have purchased tickets or plan to buy, this exposé presents real risks. If Machi Production indeed has a history of scams and financial issues as Huang described, whether the concert can proceed as scheduled, whether ticket sales are legitimate, and whether refunds are guaranteed are all highly uncertain.

Fans are advised to take the following precautions: First, verify that ticket purchase channels are officially authorized platforms to avoid buying from unofficial sources or scalpers at inflated prices. Second, use credit cards instead of cash or cryptocurrencies, as credit cards can initiate chargebacks in case of scams. Third, keep all purchase records, communication logs, and payment proofs for rights protection. Fourth, closely monitor official announcements; if there are any irregularities such as organizer changes, venue shifts, or artist lineup adjustments before the event, stay alert.

Legally, if the concert is canceled due to organizer issues, fans’ rights to claim refunds will be very difficult. Cross-border litigation is costly, and it’s unclear whether Malaysia’s consumer protection mechanisms can effectively safeguard foreign ticket buyers. The safest approach is to wait until the situation clarifies before deciding whether to purchase tickets or to choose other more reliable events.