[Sportschosun, Reporter Kim Jun-seok] Singer Park Seo-jin's Seoul encore concert has ultimately been canceled. The decision was made because prolonged demonstrations near the venue made it difficult to operate the show normally.
Janggu's God Entertainment, Park Seo-jin's agency, announced on its official social media account on the 22nd that the Park Seo-jin national tour concert's Seoul encore performance, scheduled for July 4 and 5 at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium (Ticketlink Arena) in Seoul, has been unavoidably canceled.
It added, "We sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and inconvenience to the fans who have been waiting for and supporting the concert," and said, "Tickets that have already been booked will be fully refunded in stages through the booking platform."
The cancellation is reportedly linked to the ongoing protests around Olympic Park.
Near the venue, protests by citizens claiming election fraud in connection with the 9th nationwide local elections held on the 3rd have continued since the 5th.
The month-long demonstrations have disrupted traffic and event operations in the area, which appears to have affected the concert as well.
In fact, a series of major events around Olympic Park have already changed their plans. Nexon's MapleStory showcase moved its venue to KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, while Hybe's Weverse Con and the Seoul Park Music Festival also adjusted their on-site operations to proceed with the events.
Park Seo-jin's side also appears to have made the cancellation decision after placing the highest priority on audience safety and smooth concert operations.
In particular, this Seoul encore concert was expected to serve as the finale of the national tour, so fans had high expectations.
Fans have also expressed disappointment over the sudden news. Online reactions poured in, including, "I've been waiting for this concert for so long, so it's really disappointing," "It feels unfortunate that both the singer and the fans are being affected," and "I understand if it was a decision made for safety."
Meanwhile, Park Seo-jin has continued his national tour concerts since last year, meeting fans across the country. With the Seoul encore concert canceled, attention is now turning to whether a replacement performance will be held.
narusi@sportschosun.com
