Small groups will now have a harder time entering the US?

Most likely. There's no way low-mid tier groups will be able to tour on US letting their tickets more expensive than K-pop already is, a lot of these groups are filling 'only' around 40-60% of their concerts, imagine If the costs were higher.

the big groups probably don't even pay these.

Only BTS will be able to afford this. There goes kpop in America

Quote from Rarami

the big groups probably don't even pay these.

Imagine the top groups paying and getting rejected. The US will feel the might of truck-kun.

Is this per year or per entry or per concert?

I believe it is to get them to employ locals.

This is a big ouch for Dreamcatcher and their 2353 US tours a year

What was the reason for this huge increase?

Quote from K-PL

Is this per year or per entry or per concert?

I believe it is to get them to employ locals.

Is like a Visa.

So per entry.

It could also mean, no small tours in the USA, groups may come and do 10+ concerts to make it worth it.

Quote from OnceMidzy4ever

What was the reason for this huge increase?

I saw a screenshot from someone who works for that department (can't find it now) and they said their budget mostly comes from money from fees and the US government doesn't providing much for the budget. The fees haven't been increased since 2016 and the department is severely understaffed and underfunded with a huge backlog of applications. So they increased the fees to pay for more staff.

If I can find the screenshot I'll post it.

Quote from Uni909

Drop America and go to Canada, Europe instead?

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this is so stupid, goodbye world tours

the rich get richer