3 Reasons Why BTS Couldn't Appear at the 'Jamboree K-Pop Concert'

《Revival of Junho Yoon》

Reporter Yoon Joon-ho of TenAsia introduces trends in the entertainment industry. Let's take a look at what the public needs are and what makes them popular or uncomfortable.

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The lineup for the Jamboree K-Pop Concert has been confirmed. Including the previously announced group New Jeans, NCT Dream, Mamamoo, ITZY, Shownu and Hyungwon will take the stage. The appearance of BTS, which was controversial, was canceled.

The sudden appearance of BTS has become a social issue beyond the industry. The government and organizers mentioned BTS without prior consultation with the agency. It was as if the appearance of BTS was the only answer. It was the government's greed to successfully end the festival, it was forced pressure, and it was nothing more than a sense of authority that considered K-pop stars as the property of the state.

'2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree' created numerous controversies during the festival. It was because of the poor management and poor environment throughout the event, as well as allegations of sex crimes. Since the Jamboree was held, the cumulative number of patients with heat-related diseases and skin lesions has far exceeded 4,400.

Initially, due to lack of preparation for the event, an unprecedented situation occurred in which some national delegations left early. Along with the criticism of 'international disgrace', it was found that over the past 8 years, the number of overseas business trips that officials from related organizations have visited for the purpose of visiting the Jamboree reached 99 times.

The Jamboree is an international scouting festival with a long history. Beginning in 1920 in England, it has been held once every four years except for two world wars and the Iranian Revolution. It is also an event where thousands, even tens of thousands, of young people from all over the world gather. For that reason, the host country uses it as a means of enhancing its national status or attracting international events.

This Saemangeum Jamboree event is the same. There was also an intention to publicize the region called Saemangeum and to secure social overhead capital (SOC) as a reason for holding the Jamboree event. The success of the festival was essential. However, due to various issues, it has built up a negative image of the country and region. In order for the government or the organizers to turn things around, a successful K-pop concert would have been essential.

Typhoon Kanun was a variable. The venue for the K-pop concert has been changed from Jeolla-do to Sangam World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The date also changed from the 6th to the 11th. Due to the schedule change, the singers appearing also changed. unprepared situation. The government has been involved in public relations for about two days.

From the government's point of view, it needed a certain box office hit. This is the reason why I suddenly mentioned the appearance of BTS. Even if you are not an industry official, you can see that their choice has no real possibility.

First, it is a matter of adjusting the schedules of BTS members. There is less than a week left until the K-pop concert. It was difficult to match the schedules of those who are currently performing solo or serving in the military. In particular, in the case of V, he is in the midst of preparing for the release of a solo album. It was just an excuse from the government that came out without a close agreement with the agency.

Second, even if the appearance was confirmed, the time to prepare for the stage was too short. It usually takes 3-4 days to install stage equipment. It was unknown whether the stage installation would work properly due to the typhoon. Even on stage, it was impossible to think of choreography or rehearsals. Top singers like BTS are sensitive to stage equipment and planning. It is because of the recognition that they have to show the best stage worthy of their name.

Lastly, there was a strong backlash from fans. A, member of the BTS fan club 'Army', said, "(Regarding the rumors of BTS borrowing), the feeling I got was that Kim Yu-na is famous, so try skating on the bare floor."

He continued, "All artists want a perfect stage. But do what you do well for such an artist, do what you have done in the past. This attitude is almost ridiculed or insulted." Here, the people's power member Seong Il-jong's mention raised ARMY's anger.

Rep. Seong urged the BTS to be hired through his SNS, saying, "It is necessary to fill the lack of schedules in Saemangeum for our precious guests with the power of Korean culture." In addition, he requested the Ministry of National Defense to "take all measures so that BTS, who are military, can participate together and raise the national prestige of the Republic of Korea."

In response, 'BTS Gallery' said in a statement, "For BTS to participate in K-POP concerts in accordance with the government's coercive request, it is a regression of democracy and 'abuse of power'."

In the end, BTS' appearance at the Jamboree K-pop concert was canceled. Some say that he had to go on stage for the sake of the state and public expectations. However, the violence of national power is an opinion that has not been considered. It was a case in which the private interests of private companies could be infringed for the sake of the public good. Even if it was another artist, not BTS. What should be really embarrassing is the state's anti-compulsory nature, which appears to have ruined the festival and left it to the celebrities to take care of it.

Reporter Yoon Jun-ho, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr