As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the eastern shore leg of the social and music festival KCON 2020 and BTS' Map of The Soul World Tour in North America has been postponed.
"We're very sad to say that COVID-19 has canceled #KCON20NY. Health is our highest priority for all of those associated with KCON and we're thankful for your continuous help," KCON's tweet reads.
On June 12 to 14, KCON NY 2020 was scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center which, as New York City battles the COVID-19 pandemic, is reportedly being transitioned into a field hospital facility.
"We agreed to formally cancel KCON 2020 NY with a tinge of sadness, following consultation with governmental officials, health professionals, and our collaborators," KCON USA said in an extra statement. "Health and well-being is our top concern for anyone participating in KCON and we look forward to seeing you at the next event."
First held in 2012, KCON became an annual tradition in cities worldwide and was established in California. KCON New York has been hosting prominent South Korean musical performances in the last few years, featuring BTS, TWICE, NCT 127, Monsta X and Red Velvet.
KCON USA's latest statement on KCON 2020 NY cancelation simply reads:
"The KCON USA team tracked carefully the coronavirus crisis (COVID-19). Our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of all involved in our events-fans, musicians, staff, event planners, partners and more. It is with profound disappointment that we've already agreed to cancel KCON 2020 NY in June, following a string of talks with local government officials, health professionals and our partners. All tickets bought prior are reimbursed.
We are now constantly looking into the matter as expected for KCON 2020 LA. With our cooperation with locations and regulators, we will strive to provide updated data to guarantee the security of everyone in our event.
Thank you very much for your acknowledgment and unwavering support. Please keep yourself safe and secure."
In line with this news, Big Hit Entertainment recently said that due to the pandemic, BTS' Map Of The Soul World Tour in North America is delayed.
The agency revealed that their show will be put on hold to a later date in a post posted to their blog, including all tickets that have already been reserved for the upcoming concert.
Big Hit's statement reads:
"We would like to notify you that the highly anticipated BTS MAP OF THE SOULD TOUR-NORTH AMERICA will be adjusted so that we can ensure the safety of all involved in the world tour.
A later date is set to reschedule the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR-NORTH AMERICA, previously planned from 25 April until 6 June, with all the tickets purchased. Details on the latest show dates will be shared immediately.
While we remain focused on giving you the best and safest concert experience we can, we thank you for your support and consideration."
BTS already postponed its concert in Seoul, South Korea. No report on BTS concerts in Japan and Europe has been released yet.
