Political protocol interruptions at Sunchang festival spark calls for audience-centered management
The interruption of a performance by singer HYNN to accommodate a speech by Democratic Party of Korea representative Kim Min-seok at the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival has drawn criticism, highlighting a growing demand for festivals to prioritize audience experience over political protocol.
Singer HYNN halted her performance at the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival in Jeonbuk on the 15th to allow Democratic Party of Korea representative Kim Min-seok to deliver a greeting, prompting criticism that political protocol was prioritized over the audience experience.
Audience-centered management is regaining attention following an incident at a local festival where a performance was halted to allow for a politician's greeting. According to media reports, during the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival in Jeonbuk on the 15th, singer HYNN stopped her performance after singing two songs while preparing for her next stage. As the emcee introduced Kim Min-seok, a representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was present at the site, Kim delivered his greeting while HYNN had stepped down from the stage. The performance resumed only after the greeting concluded. As video of the scene spread, criticism emerged that political protocol was prioritized over the audience's ability to watch the performance.
On the 18th, representative Kim Min-seok stated, "I declined to give a greeting during the performance, but I went up on stage due to the emcee's sudden call," and offered an apology to the singer and the audience. The practice of VIP speeches interrupting the viewing experience of audiences who came to see performances has caused dissatisfaction previously. During the Yeosu World Islands Expo held in September, complaints were raised regarding lengthy VIP congratulatory speeches and immature event management.
In contrast, last year's Gimcheon Gimbap Festival significantly reduced official opening ceremonies, VIP introductions, congratulatory speeches, and welcoming remarks, instead focusing on performances and experiential activities. This audience-centered management and differentiated food content received a positive response, with approximately 150,000 people visiting the site over the two days of the festival.
Experts stated, "Bold 'protocol destruction' that returns the spotlight to the audience will emerge as a core competitiveness determining the success and satisfaction of festivals." Beyond simply recruiting famous singers, creating an environment where the audience can fully enjoy performances and content has been suggested as a key competitive strength for local festivals.
Covers K-pop for SPECIALTIMES GLOBAL, and also writes Culture and K-Variety stories.
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