[Itaewon Tragedy] Performing Arts and Popular Music Communities Also Mourn... Concerts and Events Canceled (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Culture Cancels Blue House Reception Hall Classical Concert
Seoul International Performing Arts Festival and 'Welcome Daehangno' Closing Performances Canceled
SM Halloween Party Canceled and HYBE Company Briefing Postponed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Following the tragic crush incident that occurred in Itaewon on the 29th, the performing arts and popular music industries have canceled performances and events, expressing their condolences in unison.

On the 30th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the cancellation of the first and second performances of "K-Classic Coloring the Autumn at the Blue House," which were scheduled to be held at the Blue House State Guest House on November 1 and 4, in accordance with the declaration of the national mourning period.

The concerts were planned for four sessions on November 1, 4, 7, and 11, featuring pianist Kim Sunwook, pianist Sunwoo Yekwon, violinist Yang Inmo, and pianist Son Yeol-eum in that order. A Ministry of Culture official stated, "We express our condolences to the victims and their families related to the Itaewon tragedy," adding, "We hope for the speedy recovery of the injured."

The Seoul Performing Arts Festival (SPAF) also canceled all performances scheduled for the 30th. Co-hosted by the Arts Management Support Center and the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, SPAF had been showcasing various genres such as theater and dance since its opening on the 6th. On the 30th, four festival performances including the dance performance "Pig Dance" and the audience participation performance "Light Performance: Forest of the Abyss," as well as the closing ceremony, were all canceled.

The SPAF Secretariat expressed, "We extend our condolences to the victims and families of the Itaewon tragedy and wish for the quick recovery of the injured," adding, "As the national mourning period is set until November 5, all performances prepared by the '2022 Seoul Performing Arts Festival' on the 30th have been fully canceled. We ask for the audience's understanding and will provide full refunds to ticket holders."

Cultural and artistic institutions such as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Music Theater, and Korea National University of Arts have also temporarily postponed upcoming events and festivals.

The Sejong Center announced the temporary postponement of the university student reporter group inauguration ceremony scheduled for the 31st and is currently discussing whether to hold performances by its affiliated arts groups and rental events.

Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Music Theater canceled the outdoor performance "Night Glow Bright Moon - Jeongga Ensemble SOUL Jigi," which was scheduled for 5 p.m. on the 30th. The theater stated, "We pray for the repose of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured," and asked for the audience's understanding.

Korea National University of Arts postponed the 30th anniversary celebration event planned for its Seokgwan-dong campus on the 31st until after the national mourning period.

The performing arts tourism festival "2022 Welcome Daehangno" also canceled the "Welcome Closing Party" scheduled to be held in Daehangno, Seoul, on the same day. The festival office stated, "We express our condolences to the victims and families related to the Itaewon tragedy that occurred yesterday," and asked for the understanding of the waiting audience.

The music industry also conveyed condolences by postponing or canceling scheduled album releases and promotional activities related to the Itaewon tragedy.

EXO member Chen postponed the release of his third mini-album "Dear My Dear," which was announced for the 31st. His agency, SM Entertainment, said, "After hearing the news related to the Itaewon tragedy, we made this decision out of respect for the victims, and we ask for the understanding of fans who have been waiting for the album."

Yong Junhyung, preparing a comeback album after leaving his group in 2019, also delayed the release of his mini-album "LONER." His agency, Black Made, expressed, "We deeply mourn and offer condolences and comfort to the victims and their families of the (Itaewon) accident."

Earlier, BTS member Jin, who released his solo debut single "The Astronaut" on the 28th, postponed promotional content for the new release, including the "Stationhead Listening Party" and "The Astronaut Lyric Video," which were scheduled for the 30th and 31st.

SM Entertainment, which holds an annual Halloween party, canceled the Halloween party for its artists scheduled for the afternoon of the 30th.

SM Entertainment announced through its fan community "Kwangya Club" on the 30th, "As the 'SMTOWN WONDERLAND 2022' event itself has been canceled, the red carpet live broadcast will not be held. We ask for the understanding of fans."

HYBE postponed the "HYBE Company Briefing with the Community," which was scheduled to be held online on the 4th of next month.

HYBE, which holds an annual company briefing in the fall to share plans for its artists and company outlook, announced on the 31st, "The 2022 'HYBE Company Briefing with the Community,' which was scheduled to be streamed on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel on November 4, has been postponed. The new schedule will be announced later."

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