A concert Friday by South Korean pop star Rain, scheduled for Aloha Stadium, has been canceled with an announcement by local promoters that may raise more questions than it answers.

The possibility of a future appearance by the Korean Wave idol hasn't been ruled out, but that may be only because there's little solid information to go on.

Honolulu promoters of the event, who are South Korean natives, have no alternate date. At a press conference announcing the canceled date yesterday, the promoters said they didn't know why Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, would not appear on schedule in Honolulu.

In fact, they drew news of the cancellation from a Korea Times report Saturday that Rain's U.S. concert dates, including Honolulu's, were being scrapped, even though concert equipment had been shipped to Hawai'i and ticket sales continued throughout the holiday weekend.

Refunds for tickets bought through Ticketmaster will be available starting today. People who purchased $300 premium VIP tickets from Click Entertainment were advised to go to the company's local office beginning next Wednesday to request refunds.

PROMOTERS 'IN THE DARK'

Rain had been scheduled to appear yesterday at a press conference to promote the concert. When it became clear that he was not coming, promoters used the room at the Royal Hawaiian to announce the cancellation.

Dong Il Min, creative director of TFD Big Band, a Seoul-based organization assisting Click, said the concert was "postponed" and apologized to ticket buyers.

Dong said neither he nor Click president Seung Su Lee have received official word about Rain's concert plans being changed.

"We've heard the rumors," said Dong. "As we are waiting for official word, we cannot take (specific) questions about the concerts."

Jay Lee, South Korean representative for the promoter of a Toronto concert that was also canceled, said at the press conference that he has not been able to refund money to Canadian ticket-buyers, since he has not yet been reimbursed for his $250,000 deposit.

"And it's been 40 days since the cancellation," said Lee.

His frustration raised fears that local people who bought VIP tickets for the Honolulu show may find it difficult to obtain refunds.

An undetermined number of sales were made to fans from Asia, who also purchased plane tickets and hotel rooms, but Dong said after the press conference that efforts would be made to inform those buyers.

Mark Russo, a freelance stage production designer for the American concerts, said tons of technical equipment for Rain's stage show, including a video element, were in place for installation at the stadium. While he's not doing the Los Angeles gig, he said it was still on.

Russo said he was "clearly in the dark" about the plug being pulled — but that he was also optimistic that Rain's concert would be rescheduled.

Promoters would not say how many tickets were sold. The venue would have been set up to hold a crowd of 20,000 to 25,000.

DISAPPOINTED FANS

Gerrie Nakamura, a Leilehua High School teacher who bought one of those $300 tickets, said she was deeply disappointed.

"I know Bi has said that he wanted to come to Hawai'i to perform, even if it were for a small crowd," she said, using the singer's Korean name, which means rain. "The cancellation is a disappointment for young people, who see him as their hero, who may think their hero let them down."

Rain's performance had been envisioned as a highlight for Asian pop fans, since he fuses rock with Korean lyrics.

Nakamura, who sold close to 100 tickets to friends and fans, said she was also bothered that few answers were provided by the show's organizers.

"I think it was shibai for Star M and Revolution Entertainment (two companies involved in Rain's production hierarchy) to not provide answers," said Nakamura, who was at the press gathering.

"Several K-drama clubs, including mine, came out and helped the promoters, who were trying to do their best," she said.

Geri Mehrtens, a devout Rain fan who bought $300 seats and rallied 150 friends and colleagues at Moanalua High School, where she is the Korean Club adviser, to attend the Rain show, said she's shell-shocked.

"This thing really hasn't hit me yet, but to me, Rain is the most important player in every component, and I cannot believe he has full knowledge what's happening, what's coming down. My concern is how this is going to impact his future, not only in the U.S., but elsewhere."

Frances Cotton, a 76-year-old Kane'ohe resident, had hoped to bring her granddaughter to the concert, since they watch Rain in K-dramas.

"He's a darling boy, a refreshing young guy, and I got two $115 tickets to see him, so I'm very disappointed the show's off," said Cotton, noting that Rain's appeal crosses all age demographics.

"I had a chance to see him in Las Vegas, but my son said he was coming to Hawai'i, so I waited. I even went to the stadium, with my handicapped parking permit, on a dry run, to see where I could park, since I have trouble walking. Now it looks like I have to go to Korea to see him."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.