Even after the show’s finalized, the new version of KBS Song Festival, the 2023 Music Bank Global Festival, still faces more severe criticisms for various issues. Also, Korean media and netizens even claimed that this year-end festival from KBS has been discriminating against Korean viewers. So, what really happened behind Music Bank Global Festival 2023 issues? Dive deep into the controversy in the following complete report.
KBS Song Festival Faces More Controversy After Changing into Music Bank Global Festival 2023
The 2023 Music Bank Global Festival, previously KBS Song Festival, has faced more issues even after its final broadcast on December 15.
Previously, KBS’s year-end festival received massive controversy for rebranding its name to Music Bank Global Festival 2023. Not only that, this year-end festival also received backlash for its excessive ticket pricing and unreasonable distribution tactics.
Today, even after the festival ended successfully, the rebranded version of KBS Song Festival still faces criticism for various reasons.
Here are the shocking issues that caused massive controversy among Korean media and netizens against Music Bank Global Festival 2023.
What REALLY Happened: All the Problematic Issues
Post-Event Criticisms for the Korean Version
First of all, after hosting the rebranded version of the KBS Song Festival in Japan, the Korean version of Music Bank Global Festival 2023 apparently was far in contrast.
The Korean segment of the Music Bank Global Festival, anchored by MCs Rowoon and IVE Jang Won-young, was held at the iconic KBS Hall. However, this year’s event failed to recapture the dynamic essence typically associated with past performances.
Audiences voiced their discontent, pointing out a noticeable dip in the energy and atmosphere that usually characterizes such prestigious events. While professionally executed, the performances seemed to miss the expected electrifying spark and immersive ambiance.
Therefore, it led to a massive disappointment from the Korean audience. They wished the festival could demonstrate its vibrant flair like it did in previous years.
Lack of Dynamism in Korean Venue
Secondly, the Music Bank Global Festival 2023 Korean concert fell short of matching the energy and excitement of its Japanese counterpart. And one of the reasons was due to the mix of pre-recorded and live stages.
Not only that, but Korean media outlets believed that the size of the venue also played a massive part in this disparity. The rebranded KBS Song Festival venue in South Korea can only hold 1,600 seats. Hence, it starkly contrasts the expansive Belluna Dome in Japan, which has over 30,000 spectators.
Naturally, this vast difference in audience size significantly impacted the atmosphere. The smaller Korean venue inevitably led to a more subdued environment, lacking the overwhelming buzz and vibrant energy that a larger, packed stadium like the Belluna Dome generates.
#YUQI & #MIYEON with IVE’s Leeseo and Liz performing “LILAC” at the 2023 Music Bank Global Festival#GIDLE #여자아이들pic.twitter.com/xWUls8vwNZ
— (G)I-DLE Charts (@idlecharts) December 15, 2023
Technical Flaws in Korean Broadcast
The third issue that highlights Korean media’s criticism of the rebranded KBS Song Festival is its unexpected technical flaws in the Korean version.
The festival’s Korean leg showcased excessive laser lighting for the stage. Not only that, but the camera work was also too confusing and random. These technical issues reportedly detracted from the overall viewing experience.
As a result, they failed to capture critical moments of the artists’ performance, especially their dance break. Therefore, it leads to more dissatisfaction from the audience.
Most importantly, observers noted that the stage design closely resembled the standard weekly setup of “Music Bank,” lacking the unique flair expected of a year-end event.
aespa Intro + Spicy + Drama Full Performance at 2023 KBS Music Bank Global Festival pic.twitter.com/sJtYPR3p2X
— ً (@wntrult) December 15, 2023
Discriminations Against Korean Viewers
Lastly, the Music Bank Global Festival’s broadcasting approach drew criticism for seemingly favoring non-Korean audiences.
The disparity in stage design and overall presentation between the Japanese and Korean concerts was a significant point of contention among viewers, leading to claims of unequal treatment.
RIIZE (wonbin shotaro) X AESPA (karina winter) performing ‘hot and cold’ at the 2023 Music Bank Global Festival! pic.twitter.com/46QqD3BEop
— riize folder (@riizefolder) December 15, 2023
On the other hand, the Japanese recording garnered impressive feedback. The larger venue enabled an energetic ambiance, accentuated by the hosting trio of MC Rowoon, actress Go Min-si, and rapper Lee Young-ji.
Performances by popular groups such as BOYNEXTDOOR, Enhypen, NewJeans, ITZY, ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, &Team, and NiziU highlighted, setting a high standard that the Korean segment struggled to match.
In wrapping up the discussion on the Music Bank Global Festival, did you feel the same contrast between the Korean and Japanese segments? What are your thoughts on the future direction of these prestigious music events? We invite you to join the conversation and share your opinions in the comments below.
Source: OhMyNews Korea.
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