As a senior group of the KPOP industry, fans and supporters of the second generation Korean female group, APINK, anticipated the annual KBS Gayo to see them perform once again; however, things didn't go well as expected.
On December 27, Pink Panda and netizens were angered by how the music show maltreated APINK from the very start and until the end of their performance. The following are some of the evidence that KBS doesn't give the group proper treatment.
First, during the promotion for the said music show, fans noticed how APINK was not even included for the KBS Gayo poster. They weren't also part of the advertisement for the Gayo show. Though, this hasn't become a big issue as the most important for the fans is the appearance of the senior group on stage after their hiatus following their 2019 comeback "Eung Eung."
In addition to this, during the photo time for the groups, APINK was not given a chance to pose for the carpet, and eventually, was only given a short interview, that didn't even last for two minutes.
Furthermore, the Korean idols, who were excited to meet their fans arrived at the venue early in the morning to prepare for their stage, but, unfortunately, they weren't given the time to have their rehearsals due to the delay.
Also, in their waiting area, KBS doesn't provide them a heater, despite the cold due to the winter. What angered fans the most is, during the live outro performance of the girls, as they were in the middle of their song, which is their only song to perform, KBS cut out them even if they weren't done yet. As the VR ad popped out, it was noticeable that APINK, who stopped dancing and singing, was very confused, and without further notice, they were pleaded to leave the stage by the staff.
After this unfortunate and heartbreaking happening, a worldwide hashtag, #JUSTICEforAPINK was trended by various fandoms, especially Pink Panda, who united to have an official apology from KBS and took responsibility for the time and effort they wasted from the group.
Shortly after the firing up of this issue, APINK member Naeun posted on her Instagram account a video of their dance practice for the show with a message for their fans, sharing how she wanted to give them a satisfying ending despite the upsetting things that happened during the show.
Moreover, Chorong, APINK's leader, asked apology for the fans who anticipated their performance through their live broadcast, and it was also noticeable that she shed tears before going live due to her swollen eyes.
Meanwhile, Hayoung and Eunji also extended their messages to their fans, apologizing, and ask for a safer stage to perform next time.
Lastly, Naeun pointed out an important message saying, "In the future, I hope that we are given a safer environment to perform, which is free from any bias so we can perform in contentment."
