While the "2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree" has been hampered by the government's lack of preparation, criticism is mounting as it continues to attempt a hasty cleanup involving K-pop idols such as BTS and Newjeans.
One of the official Jamboree events, the K-pop Super Live, was initially scheduled to take place at the outdoor special stage in Saemangeum, Jeollabuk-do, in June. However, due to the ongoing heatwave and unfavorable conditions causing an increasing number of people to suffer from heat-related illnesses, the organizing committee decided to cancel the event on the same day and relocate it to Jeonju World Cup Stadium on the 11th.
Some are pointing out that K-pop is being exploited to suppress public opinion. Speculations about the participation of the group BTS, which was not originally included in the initial cast list, have been circulating. While the Korean government expressed reservations about their appearance, stating, "A decision has not been finalized," the fandom itself protested.
The venue for K-pop Super Live has undergone another change. The Saemangeum area is expected to be hit by a typhoon. With participants opting to leave the campsite and relocate to the Seoul metropolitan area, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced on the 8th that the venue would be moved to Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul.
The challenge arises from the inevitable shuffle in the performers' lineup due to abrupt changes in schedules and venues. Idol singers' schedules are typically tightly packed for several months, making it uncertain for them to appear on "IVE," "Zero Base One," and "NMIXX," all of which were initially listed in the cast lineup on the 6th. A thorough revision of the cast lineup is now under consideration.
To address this issue, KBS, the event's host broadcaster, devised a desperate plan to cancel the music program "Music Bank," which was slated to air on the same day. By scrapping "Music Bank," the intention is to fill the schedule gap for the artists who were supposed to appear on the show with the "K-pop Super Live" stage. Notably, "Newjeans," who was initially set to perform on "Music Bank," will now grace the "K-pop Super Live" stage instead. It is known that additional cast members are also being recruited.
Furthermore, Rep. Sung Il-jong has exacerbated public criticism by linking the government's ineptitude to K-pop idols. On the 8th, he posted on his Facebook page, "The Ministry of National Defense aims to have all currently serving BTS members participate in the K-pop concert in Seoul on the 11th, as a measure to enhance the national prestige of the Republic of Korea."
Both Jin and J-Hope, current BTS members, are fulfilling their military service. Suga is also preparing to enlist in the army, having recently canceled his enlistment postponement, while other members are similarly poised to join the military in succession. In this context, some are suggesting that the government is exerting pressure through the Ministry of National Defense.
Even BTS's fan community, "DC Inside BTS Gallery," issued a statement on the 8th, firmly rejecting what they view as attempts to use BTS to bolster the national prestige of Korea, which has been tarnished by the Jamboree crisis. They labeled this maneuver a "regression of democracy" and a form of "power abuse" for BTS to participate in K-pop concerts at the government's coercive insistence.
Amid escalating controversy, the National Assembly has belatedly stepped in to mediate. Kim Ki-hyun, chairman of the People's Power Party, remarked, "The proposal (by Rep. Sung) was not discussed at the party level, and it is not a matter that can be addressed at the party level." He added that this topic is one of particular interest to Rep. Sung.
Rep. Sung also made an appearance on MBC Radio the same day to clarify, stating, "I was the one who introduced a bill to exempt BTS members from military service in the 20th and 21st National Assembly," and adding, "As a National Assembly member, I have supported BTS more than anyone else, advocating for measures that would benefit the country on a larger scale." He emphasized that his comments were made as part of his role in the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, independent of party consultation, and that he did not seek the agency's intention regarding BTS. Jeon Ha-kyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, commented in a regular press conference that "this matter requires discussions with relevant ministries and celebrities' agencies."
Concerns regarding the hastily organized "K-pop Super Live" event do not end here. Artists usually require months to prepare for a proper performance, including stage installation and dismantling. However,
From K-pop Idol Upheavals to Government Critique: Unveiling the Intrigues
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