グッド・モーニング・アメリカ サマーコンサートシリーズ

Yeonjun of TXT Takes the GMA Summer Stage

On August 7, 2026, Yeonjun — lead dancer, rapper, and vocalist of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) — performs at one of the most iconic free concert events in America: ABC's Good Morning America Summer Concert Series at Central Park, New York City.

The GMA Summer Concert Series is a decades-long tradition that transforms Rumsey Playfield inside Central Park into a live outdoor stage every Friday morning throughout the summer. Performances are broadcast live on ABC and streamed across GMA's digital platforms, making this one of the highest-visibility stages any artist can step onto in the United States. Yeonjun's appearance here marks a significant milestone for K-pop's continued expansion into the American mainstream.

About Yeonjun

Born Choi Yeon-jun on September 13, 1999, Yeonjun debuted with TXT (빅히트 뮤직 / HYBE) in March 2019. Known widely as "the one who covers everything," he consistently ranks among K-pop's top performers for his explosive stage presence, versatile vocal range, and genre-crossing musical identity. His solo chapter, launched in recent years, introduced a bolder, more personal artistic voice — and his GMA appearance brings that energy to a massive American audience.

About the GMA Summer Concert Series

The series is held at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (enter at East 69th St or 72nd St at Fifth Avenue). Thousands of fans attend each performance, with the most dedicated arriving the night before to claim front-row positions. The broadcast typically runs within the 7–9 AM ET window. There is no admission fee — the event is entirely free and open to the public.

This is a once-in-a-summer chance to see Yeonjun in a daytime, open-air concert setting unlike any traditional K-pop arena show. MOA (TXT's global fandom) across North America are already mobilizing for what promises to be a landmark morning in Central Park.

No Tickets — But Strategy Still Matters

The GMA Summer Concert Series is completely free of charge — no tickets are sold or required for general admission. However, "free" absolutely does not mean "easy." Getting a good spot requires real planning and commitment.

How the Crowd Works

• Fans typically begin lining up 12–18 hours in advance for high-demand acts
• Rumsey Playfield gates open roughly 1–2 hours before the broadcast (around 6–7 AM ET)
• Entry is strictly first-come, first-served — the earlier you arrive, the closer you stand
• GMA sometimes implements a wristband system distributed the evening before or in the early morning hours — follow @GMA on Twitter/X as the date approaches for real-time updates

Official Registration & Fan Club Access

While general entry is open to all, GMA occasionally offers priority entry registration through their website or app for high-demand performances. HYBE / Big Hit Music may also provide Weverse Fan Club members with advance information about any special access opportunities. Check:

• The official ABC / GMA website for any registration forms
• Weverse announcements from TXT's official account
• MOA fan hubs on Twitter/X (#MOA), Discord, and fandom sites

Fan club presales, when they exist for attached events, typically open 4–6 weeks before the show date. Keep Weverse notifications enabled.

Day-Of Tips

• Aim to arrive no later than midnight the night before if front-section positioning is your goal
• Designate one group member to hold the spot while others rotate for food and restroom breaks
• Follow @GMA and @TXT_bighit on Twitter/X for real-time queue and schedule updates
• Bring everything you need for an overnight outdoor stay — full details in the Travel Checklist section

VIP / Media Access

There are no publicly available VIP ticket packages for the GMA Summer Concert Series. Media and press credentials are managed directly by ABC. Do not purchase any "VIP passes" or "priority entry tickets" from third-party sellers — these are almost certainly scams with no legitimate basis.

A Free Concert Doesn't Mean Zero Risk

Because admission to the GMA Summer Concert Series is free, traditional ticket scalping does not apply here. But that does not mean you're completely safe from bad actors — especially if you're an international fan traveling to New York specifically for this event.

Common Scams to Watch For

Fake "VIP Passes" or "Priority Wristbands" Bad actors may list counterfeit passes on eBay, StubHub, Craigslist, or social media platforms, claiming they offer guaranteed front-row or stage-adjacent access. No such passes exist for public purchase. Any listing claiming to sell "GMA concert VIP access" for this event should be treated as a scam.

Unofficial Line-Holding Services Some individuals advertise paid services to hold your place in the overnight queue. While not strictly illegal, these are unverified and unreliable — you have no recourse if the person abandons your spot.

Fake Tour Package Websites As Yeonjun's US profile grows, fraudulent websites may appear offering "concert packages" combining flights, hotels, and "exclusive access" at inflated prices. Always book travel directly through verified airlines, reputable OTAs (Booking.com, Expedia, Google Flights), and well-known hotel brands.

Protecting Yourself as an International Traveler

• Book flights and hotels only through platforms with transparent refund and cancellation policies
• Purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation — outdoor concerts can be affected by severe weather
• Never wire money or pay via cryptocurrency for any concert-adjacent services
• Be cautious of phishing links shared in fan community Discord servers or Twitter/X DMs claiming to be "official registration"

Weather Cancellation

Rumsey Playfield is entirely outdoors. In rare cases, severe weather can cause a GMA concert to be postponed or relocated. Since admission is free, there are no refunds — but your travel costs (flights, hotel) may be non-recoverable without insurance. Monitor ABC's official channels and the official TXT Weverse account the week of August 7 for any schedule changes.

Standing Room & Lawn Viewing — Know the Layout

Rumsey Playfield is an open-air, flat venue with both paved and grass surfaces. There are no assigned seats, no ticketed tiers, and no reserved sections available to the general public. Your "spot" is wherever you stake out your position.

Venue Zone Overview

Zone-by-Zone Tips

Front Pit The holy grail for MOA. Expect close-quarters standing for hours and a very energetic crowd. Only achievable through overnight queuing. Bring minimal gear — small bags, no blankets blocking others.

Mid-Lawn A blanket and low-back folding chair work well here. Good sightlines and a more comfortable experience. Best for groups who want to enjoy the show without an extreme wait.

Perimeter / Accessible Areas GMA typically designates an accessible viewing area for attendees with mobility needs. Contact ABC in advance via their official website if you require accommodation. Outer sections may have supplemental screens depending on the production setup.

What to Bring for Your Spot

• Lightweight blanket or picnic mat
• Low-back folding chair (check GMA's bag/item policy before the event)
• Small backpack — large bags may be restricted at the gate
• Earplugs if you're sensitive to loud sound (front sections can peak very high)
• Portable phone charger

Broadcast & Performance Timing

The live segment runs within the 7–9 AM ET broadcast block. Artists typically perform 2–4 songs live on air. The in-venue experience may also include soundcheck viewing and on-camera audience moments not shown in the broadcast — another reason to arrive early.

Reaching Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

Rumsey Playfield is located inside Central Park, with the most convenient pedestrian entrances at East 69th Street & Fifth Avenue and East 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue. The venue is extremely well-served by New York City's transit network.

By Subway (Strongly Recommended)

The NYC subway runs 24 hours and is by far the most reliable way to reach Central Park — especially for early morning arrivals when road traffic is unpredictable.

For overnight arrivals (midnight–5 AM), note that late-night subway frequency is reduced on some lines. Check the MTA app or mta.info for real-time service alerts and any planned work stoppages on your travel weekend.

By Taxi / Rideshare

• Uber, Lyft, and NYC yellow cabs can drop passengers at Fifth Avenue & 72nd Street
• On concert day, traffic near the park will be heavier — allow extra travel time
• Rideshare surge pricing is common in early morning hours; budget accordingly

By Bus

• M1, M2, M3, M4 buses run along Madison or Fifth Avenue with stops near 72nd Street
• M79 crosstown bus links the Upper West Side and Upper East Side through the park (limited early morning service)

On Foot / Citi Bike

• If staying in Midtown or the Upper East/West Side, walking is very feasible (15–30 min depending on starting point)
• Citi Bike (NYC's bike-share) has docking stations near park entrances — a fast, cheap option for a short morning ride
• Inside the park, follow signage to Rumsey Playfield; it is well-marked along the main paths

Important: Do Not Drive

Street parking near Central Park is extremely scarce and heavily enforced. Garage parking in the area can run $40–$70+ for several hours. Subway is the superior choice in every dimension.

Accommodation Near Central Park

New York City offers thousands of lodging options, but proximity to Central Park puts you in some of Manhattan's most desirable — and most expensive — neighborhoods. Here's a practical breakdown by area and budget.

Upper East Side (Closest to the Venue)

The 60s–80s blocks along Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue place you within walking distance of Rumsey Playfield. Expect luxury pricing in summer.

• The Mark Hotel — 5-star, Madison Ave & 77th St, ~10 min walk to venue
• The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel — iconic NYC landmark, 76th & Madison Ave
• Loews Regency New York — 61st & Park Ave, business-friendly with well-appointed rooms

Price range: $400–$900+/night in August. Book 3–6 months in advance.

Upper West Side (Across the Park)

A more residential, slightly more affordable neighborhood with a mix of mid-range and boutique options.

• Hotel Beacon — 75th & Broadway, consistently well-reviewed and reasonably priced for the area
• Various boutique hotels on Amsterdam Ave and Broadway in the 70s–80s
• Quick subway connection (1/2/3 trains) to the East Side if you prefer not to walk through the park

Midtown (Budget-Friendlier, Excellent Transit)

Staying in Midtown (50s and below) generally offers better nightly rates with subway access to the park in 10–20 minutes.

• Pod 51 Hotel — compact, affordable, great for solo travelers or pairs
• citizenM New York Times Square — stylish, modern, well-priced for Manhattan standards
• Yotel New York — near Times Square, reasonable rates, good transit access
• AC Hotel by Marriott Times Square — reliable mid-range option

Booking Tips

• August is peak NYC tourist season — rates are high and availability fills fast. Book at minimum 2–3 months in advance
• Use Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Google Hotels to compare rates; filter for free cancellation options
• For groups of 3–4 fans, an Airbnb apartment near the park can significantly reduce per-person cost
• NYC hotel taxes add approximately 14.75% plus daily fees on top of listed rates — factor this into your budget when comparing options

Make the Most of Your New York Visit

Whether you're arriving a day early or staying after the concert, the Central Park area is surrounded by world-class things to see, eat, and experience. Here are the top picks for MOA visiting New York City.

Inside Central Park (Post-Concert Exploration)

The concert venue is just a small corner of this 843-acre urban park. After the show:

• The Mall & Literary Walk — a stunning tree-lined promenade, perfect for post-concert photos
• Bethesda Fountain & Terrace — one of NYC's most iconic landmarks, a natural MOA meet-up point
• Strawberry Fields — the John Lennon memorial; peaceful, photogenic, deeply atmospheric
• The Lake & Loeb Boathouse — rent a rowboat for a scenic afternoon on the water (seasonal)
• Belvedere Castle — an elevated viewpoint with sweeping views across the park

Museums Within Walking Distance

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) — Fifth Ave & 82nd St, directly across from the park; one of the world's great art collections. Plan 2–4 hours minimum
• American Museum of Natural History — 79th St & Central Park West on the Upper West Side; famous for its dinosaur halls and Hayden Planetarium
• Neue Galerie — small but exceptional museum of German and Austrian art at 86th & Fifth; the Café Sabarsky inside is outstanding for pastries

Food Near the Park

• Levain Bakery (74th & Amsterdam Ave) — legendary oversized cookies, an absolute NYC must
• Shake Shack — multiple Manhattan locations; a local institution for burgers and shakes
• Zabar's (80th & Broadway) — classic Upper West Side deli and gourmet grocery
• Café Boulud — upscale French dining on the Upper East Side for a special post-concert dinner

K-Town: Korean Food & Merch (20–25 min by subway)

Koreatown on West 32nd Street (between Fifth Ave and Broadway) is the go-to for Korean BBQ, cafés, bingsu, and K-pop merchandise. Take the N/Q/R/W or B/D/F/M to 34th St. It's the perfect spot to celebrate with fellow MOA after the concert.

Your Complete Pre-Concert Checklist

An early morning outdoor concert in New York City in August means preparing for summer heat, overnight crowds, and a very long but unforgettable day. Use this checklist to make sure nothing is left behind.

Before You Leave Home

• Book round-trip flights — arrive August 6 at the latest to be ready for an August 7 morning concert
• Reserve hotel accommodation (Upper East Side or Midtown recommended for proximity and transit)
• Purchase travel insurance covering trip cancellation and medical emergencies
• Confirm US visa or ESTA requirements if traveling internationally — apply well in advance
• Download the MTA app for real-time NYC subway navigation
• Follow @GMA, @TXT_bighit, and trusted MOA fan accounts for concert updates
• Check GMA's official website for any wristband or priority registration announcements closer to the date

What to Pack for the Concert

• Portable battery charger / power bank (fully charged) — your most essential item
• Lightweight blanket or picnic mat for lawn seating
• Reusable water bottle — Central Park has water refill stations
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — August in NYC is hot and sunny once the sun rises
• Hat or cap for sun protection during the broadcast
• Light layers — early morning pre-dawn hours in August can be cooler than expected
• Low-back folding chair (check GMA's bag/item policy before bringing)
• Snacks and food for overnight waiting (24hr convenience stores on Lexington Ave)
• Small first-aid kit: blister pads, pain reliever, antihistamine
• Compact rain poncho — NYC August weather can surprise you
• Cash for street vendors (some near the park are cash-only)
• ID or passport — keep a digital copy in your email as backup
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Night Before

• Confirm the concert is proceeding via ABC GMA social accounts
• Coordinate a meeting point with your group at the Rumsey Playfield entrance
• Decide your target arrival time based on which zone you're aiming for
• Charge all devices to 100%

Day Of

• Arrive at the venue according to your plan (front: midnight+; mid-lawn: 3–5 AM; back: 6–7 AM)
• Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen as the morning warms up
• Be patient exiting — thousands of fans will leave simultaneously after the broadcast ends
• Share the experience with the global MOA community — you were there!