Amidst the 2023 star-studded lineup and charismatic hosts, the iconic KBS Song Festival rebrands, igniting more backlash and criticism worldwide. Let’s dive into a world where music meets controversy as we unveil the much-anticipated “Music Bank Global Festival 2023”. Are you ready to find out about what happened to the KBS Song Festival 2023? Check out the details in the following report.
KBS Song Festival Now Rebrands as “Music Bank Global Festival 2023”
This year, the KBS Song Festival 2023 is transforming into the much-anticipated “Music Bank Global Festival 2023,” a grand event spanning Japan and Korea.
On December 15, the Music Bank Global Festival will broadcast, combining shows from both countries into a single, unforgettable year-end special. The Japanese portion, recorded in Belluna Dome of Saitama on December 9, will blend seamlessly with the Korean show.
The first half of the festival, airing live from KBS Hall Seoul, Korea, brings excitement with hosts Rowoon and IVE’s Jang Won Young.
Fans can look forward to its lineup performers, featuring aespa, CRAVITY, DAY6’s Young K, FANTASY BOYS, fromis_9, (G)I-DLE, H1-KEY, IVE, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, ONEUS, RIIZE, Sunmi, TXT, Xdinary Heroes, xikers, and ZEROBASEONE.
The second half, the pre-recorded show from Japan for the “Music Bank Global Festival 2023”, promises equal excitement.
Hosted by Rowoon, Go Min Si, and Lee Young Ji, the lineup includes ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, THE BOYZ, Golden Girls, ENHYPEN, ITZY, Kang Daniel, Kep1er, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Young Ji, MeloMance, NewJeans, NiziU, NMIXX, Park Jin Young, P1Harmony, SHINee, STAYC, Stray Kids, and &TEAM.
Indeed, this 2023 global celebration of music marks a new chapter in the history of the KBS Song Festival. However, it has sparked a massive debate and controversy at the same time,
What Happened?
Following the change from Song Festival to “Music Bank Global Festival 2023”, KBS revealed to have aimed for better profits.
With Kpop’s skyrocketing fame in the global market, fans are now more enthusiastic to watch international Kpop and awards shows. This move allows KBS to sidestep the challenges of the domestic market, which has been under scrutiny for issues like ticket pricing and distribution tactics. By hosting events overseas, KBS finds more freedom and potentially greater financial returns.
Yet, due to this goal, the 2023 KBS supposed Song Festival has gained massive controversy. As a public broadcasterfunded by 40% of its revenue from public broadcasting fees, KBS is expected to place public service and interest before profit. So, they’re supposed to care more about serving the public than making money.
But this time, KBS charges the public unreasonable fees for attending the event. Regular tickets sell for 22,000 JPY (about 200,000 KRW or 151 USD), and special VIP tickets are 40,000 JPY (around 360,000 KRW or 273 USD).
These prices are notably higher than of similar events, including SEVENTEEN’s solo concert, which was held at the same venue. That is why Korean and Japanese fans heavily criticized KBS for this move.
Not only that, but KBS also stated they were doing the festival in Japan because of the fans’ demands. However, some fans believe the company just wants to make more money from the global success of Kpop.
Meanwhile, KBS plans to include live broadcast performances in the first part of the event. But fans believe it was just their effort to deflect the criticism.
Your Thoughts?
In short, despite the impressive lineup performers, KBS has ignited fans’ anger due to rebranding their Song Festival annual celebration into “Music Bank Global Festival 2023”.
As one of the most prominent national broadcasting networks, KBS should have set an example in prioritizing public service. And yet, they chose to fulfill their own ambition and make maximum profits with ticket sales.
The KBS Song Festival 2023 lineup, now part of the Music Bank Global Festival 2023, becomes another essential Kpop’s benchmark. Yet, it also highlights the delicate balance between public service and commercial success.
So, what do you think about this issue? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Source: TenAsia
