HYBE’s “Weverse Con 2024” is a “Historical Nuisance Festival”, Said Korean media
Various controversies occurred at the Weverse Con 2024, leading to it being regarded as a “historical nuisance festival”.
Previously, HYBE had stated, “By utilizing Weverse and HYBE’s unique technology, Weverse Con Festival will continue to merge popular culture and technology, leading it as a platform for innovation that offers new entertainment elements.”
However, the reactions of on-site fans were different, and Korean media SWAY have pointed out the controversies that poured in over the two days
1. Safety negligence
From the start, HYBE’s “Weverse Con” was criticized for safety negligence. Despite the expensive ticket prices ranging from 110,000 to 170,000 KRW, there was no consideration for fans.
Fans faced confusion from the moment they entered, as the prioritized and general lines collapsed, causing fans to rush in all at once. During this time, fences fell, and screams were heard among the fans.
Despite this, HYBE continued the performance without an apology. Even when the show was about to start, fans could not enter, turning the festival into a historical nuisance.
2. Controversial appearance of right-wing singer YOASOBI
YOASOBI debuted in 2019 with the single “Racing into the Night” and is a band consisting of producer Ayase and singer-songwriter Ikuta.
YOASOBI has faced domestic controversy over the “romanticization of Japanese colonialism.” Their new song titled “Taisho Romance” refers to the Taisho era (1912-1926) in Japan, which some view nostalgically.
The problem is that the Taisho era was a period when Korea was a Japanese colony, and Koreans suffered atrocities during this time. Despite this controversy, YOASOBI appeared at Weverse Con, drawing mixed reactions
3. Park Jin-young X Bang Si-hyuk collaboration that nobody wants
On June 16, there was a surprise collaboration stage featuring JYP head Park Jin-young and HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
Fan reactions were mixed; some fans cheered for their songs, while others expressed strong disapproval with thumbs-down gestures.
In fact, some fans even started booing when the performance happened, while various posts asking “Who asked for this?” and complaining about wasting money to see 2 old man’s performances also appeared on various SNS platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).
