"I Want to Meet the Audience" First Weekend After Social Distancing Eased... Theater Community Still 'Down' [Reporter Han's Visit]

Theater Industry Hit Hard by COVID-19... Snowballing Losses from Canceled and Postponed Performances
Expectations Rise for Daehangno Small Theaters as Social Distancing Eases to Level 1

A small theater located in Daehangno, Jongno, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I hope Daehangno regains its vitality," "I miss the audience."

On the afternoon of the 18th, the first weekend after social distancing was eased to level 1, Daehangno, including the Hyehwa-dong rotary in Jongno, Seoul, seemed to regain its liveliness thanks to the young people visiting the area. However, the number of people visiting small theaters, which can be seen as a representative cultural feature of this street, was very few.

Most people still hesitated to visit the narrow small theaters due to concerns about COVID-19 infection. Kim, a college student in his 20s whom we met in front of a small theater that day, said, "The seats are close together, so I am a bit worried about COVID. Although the theater manages things well, the feeling of unease is unavoidable." He added, "Not only small theaters, but these days people don't really go to theaters much either."

Another office worker in his 30s, Lee, said, "The reason people come to Daehangno is to watch plays in small theaters, but since no one is visiting (the small theaters) due to COVID, the actors must be having a very hard time."

According to theater company officials, the number of people visiting small theaters has significantly decreased compared to before the COVID-19 situation, reflecting citizens' concerns.

One theater company official was continuously promoting plays at an intersection in Daehangno in line with the easing of social distancing that day. However, it was difficult to find anyone showing interest in the theater company's plays.

As social distancing measures have been eased to Level 1, young people in their 20s and 30s are passing through the streets of Daehak-ro, Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Park, a theater company official in his 30s, said, "With social distancing lowered to level 1, we hope many people will visit the theater company," but added, "There has been no significant change yet." He lamented, "It seems this situation will continue for a while."

As Park said, there were no longer groups of three to five people lining up in front of small theaters in Daehangno as seen in the past. As a result, the theater industry has been facing great difficulties since the COVID-19 situation. It has been hit hard.

According to data on estimated damages in the cultural and artistic fields related to COVID-19, submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Kim Ye-ji, a member of the People Power Party, on the 7th, from January to August this year, a total sales loss of 264.6 billion KRW (196.7 billion KRW in performing arts and 67.8 billion KRW in visual arts) occurred.

The sales loss was estimated by calculating the number of canceled performances and exhibitions due to COVID-19 and the sales amount per event. Employment damage for artists reached 126 billion KRW, and the number of performances by national art organizations in the first half of the year sharply decreased by 73% compared to last year.

The number of canceled performances and exhibitions estimated from art activity status data and credit card expenditure data in the cultural and artistic fields were 9,683 and 1,553, respectively, with sales per event calculated at 20.31 million KRW for performances and 43.68 million KRW for exhibitions.

Young people visiting the Daehangno area are walking down the street. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Additionally, it was estimated that about 74.7 billion KRW worth of job reductions occurred due to employment decreases in performing arts and visual arts businesses during the same period.

Especially, based on artists who completed certification of artistic activities, employment damage for freelance artists was 58.8 billion KRW. Based on the artist survey population, employment damage for freelance artists was estimated at 126 billion KRW.

The most affected area was the cancellation or postponement of prepared performances and events (72.1%). Regarding COVID-19 damages, 85.2% responded that they had never received government support. Even among those who received government support, 78.8% said it was insufficient.

One theater company official empathized with concerns about COVID-19 infection but appealed for audiences to watch the performances prepared by actors, assuring that the theater company is thoroughly managing prevention. A theater company official who was handling ticket reservations in Daehangno that day said, "All actors strictly follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and the theater seats are disinfected," adding, "I hope Daehangno becomes lively again."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.