"Risk of Bacterial Growth Increases"... Disease Control Agency Issues Warning Over Psy's 'Heumbok Show'

by Yun Seulgi

Published 16 Jun.2022 16:19(KST)

Criticism of 'Water Waste' and Quarantine Issues... Consecutive Controversies Surrounding the 'Heumbbeok Show'

Singer Psy is performing at the Heumbbeok Show concert.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Singer Psy's 'Heumbbeok Show' has once again become a subject of controversy. Previously, concerns were raised that using a large amount of drinking water for event purposes was inappropriate amid the worst drought in 50 years causing nationwide farming difficulties. Now, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has judged that if masks get wet during water play, the risk of bacterial growth and other dangers increases.

On the morning of the 16th, Ko Jae-young, Crisis Communication Team Leader of the Central Disease Control Headquarters at KDCA, said in a briefing in response to a question about whether there is a risk of COVID-19 infection if masks get wet during water-spraying performances, "If the mask gets wet, the risk of bacterial growth and other dangers increases, so appropriate measures such as mask replacement are necessary."

Regarding whether the performance method itself violates quarantine guidelines, Team Leader Ko stated, "We will check internally a bit more and then provide an explanation."

Currently, the outdoor mask-wearing mandate has been partially lifted, but mask-wearing is still mandatory at outdoor gatherings, events, and sports games with 50 or more attendees. Violations of the mask-wearing mandate are subject to fines.

Meanwhile, Psy's 'Heumbbeok Show' is a concept concert where water is sprayed liberally to cool off the summer heat, and it has been loved so much that it was ranked as the number one concert that comes to mind during summer. However, it was suspended for three years following the large-scale spread of COVID-19, causing much disappointment among fans. After a long wait, the Heumbbeok Show will resume next month, but criticism is emerging that it is a waste of resources amid the ongoing drought since this spring.