SBS "Inkigayo" has recently posted on their online board that cheers and shouting during the pre-recording and live performance will be banned due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Their statement says:
Hello. This is the "Inkigayo" team.
In accordance with changes in the guidelines for [COVID-19] prevention, we are informing you that it is no longer permitted to shout out loud during pre-recording or filming the live broadcast for "Inkigayo."
The decision to ban cheering out loud was made after a long debate, for the safety of both the artists and the audience on set, so we ask for your understanding. We hope you will express your feelings through passionate applause instead of cheering.
For an enjoyable viewing experience and for everyone's safety, we ask that you familiarize yourself with this notice.
Thank you.
Due to COVID-19, "Inkigayo" had to film without a live audience for more than two years until reintroduced to studio crowds on May 15 of this year. This Sunday's episode of "Inkigayo" will probably have no cheers since they will implement it immediately.
Health officials predict a daily peak of 200,000 cases, which they claim is still manageable. Despite this, the South Korean government has decided to keep moving past the pandemic and restore normalcy, therefore it is not reintroducing draconian social separation laws.
How Important Is Live Audience On Music Shows?
For K-pop groups, the cheers and shouts of their fans are what keep them going. It makes the performances better and livelier as they get to see the happy and excited faces of the people that love them.
Newly debuted groups, like Aespa, did not enjoy a live audience during the height of the pandemic. They did not have any audience watch them debut so it was a bittersweet moment for the members.
Good thing, they are not banning live audiences entirely. They are still allowing fans inside the premises of the studio to watch their idols perform. "Passionate clapping/applauding" is, again, a thing, because of it.
Fans' Reaction
Many Korean fans are having doubts and questions regarding the situation. They are happy because they still get to see the performances, but are worrying about their safety and the idols'. But for sure, many would still attend these music shows.
On the other hand, international fans who are only watching from their screens very much appreciate the fan chants and cheers of the Korean audience whenever they watch fancams. Now, it would be a bit quieter and not as lively since only applauds and claps will be heard.
Many fans do appreciate the measures that SBS "Inkigayo" took to prevent more cases of Covid-19. However, there are still those who don't truly understand the gravity of the whole situation.
Fans' Suggestions
There was one fan who suggested that the cheers, screams, and fan chants be recorded and played while the idols are performing live. Now, this has been done by many groups during the peak of the pandemic.
It is indeed a good idea and should be allowed and followed by other music shows.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Jaswin Singh
