Pop group TWICE was at a critical crossroads as they were about to hold their historic first solo concert at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
Between the argument that the festival is inappropriate during the mourning period and the realistic argument that the promised performances should be kept, TWICE and JYP Entertainment decided to cancel the festival.
Entertainment made the difficult decision to go ahead with the show. The results of this decision go beyond the success of the performance, and will inform the attitude and role that entertainment should play in times of disaster.
Prior to announcing the forced performance, TWICE showed their card of "sincerity."
Donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 20 million yen) to Hong Kong World Vision.
They directly stepped in to help the victims. This was more than just a donation. It sent a powerful message that "we came to help and be with them" in response to criticism that they were "just here to make money."
With Live Nation's pledge to donate additional ticket revenue, the commercial performance was quickly redefined as a place of charity and healing.
The lights were lit at Kai Tak Stadium on December 6th and 7th, but there were no spectacular fireworks like usual.
JYP Entertainment completely eliminated any visual effects reminiscent of fire, opting for a quiet and solemn performance.
The performance began not with flashy visuals, but with a minute's silence in memory of the victims.
The silence created by the 50,000 spectators and the band members transformed the stadium into a huge space of mourning.
The audience, who had come to the venue with a sense of guilt, were deeply touched by the heartfelt messages of the band members.
In the recent Hong Kong high-rise apartment fire, local artist Karen Mok canceled her performance to participate in the mourning, and "TWICE"
They revised the message and decided to go ahead with the move. It is impossible to say for sure what the right answer was. However, the case of "TWICE" shows that global cultural capital faced a local tragedy.
It has shown that it is through proactive solidarity rather than avoidance that crises can be overcome and greater value can be created.
Through this concert, TWICE hopes to demonstrate that K-pop artists can go beyond being mere singing and dancing idols.
He proved that he can fulfill his responsibility as a public figure by addressing social issues and delivering condolences. Tens of thousands of penlights were lit up at Kai Tak Stadium on a sad night in Hong Kong.
It was not a flashy light, but a beacon of hope illuminating a wounded city. It was the true "world class" dignity that TWICE demonstrated.
By minmin 2025/12/08 08:02 KST
