While the federal government on Monday unveiled a draft model of its highway map for “living with COVID-19,” elevating hopes of a gradual return to regular, the music trade is accusing it of bias in opposition to the sector and is looking for adjustments.
Several music trade organizations — the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association, Korea Management Federation, Korean Singers Association, Recording Industry Association of Korea, Korea Music Content Association, Korea Music Copyright Association and others — introduced Wednesday that they had been interesting to the federal government to provide you with extra equitable social distancing measures.
According to the highway map, as a result of the nation’s vaccination price has surpassed 70 %, most present restrictions can be lifted in phases by way of the top of January, placing an finish to nighttime curfews on cafes, eating places and different amenities the place folks collect.
Performing arts halls and film theaters can be allowed to remain open till midnight as an alternative of the present 10 p.m.
Under the present distancing tips, which restrict arts performances to theaters and halls approved for cultural occasions, main K-pop live shows — sometimes held at sports activities arenas or stadiums — can not happen.
Starting Nov. 1, as much as 100 folks can be allowed at live shows no matter their vaccination standing. Up to 500 folks can attend if they’re all vaccinated.
Starting Dec. 13, there can be no limits on viewers numbers if everyone seems to be absolutely vaccinated. All restrictions on live shows can be lifted Jan. 24.
Though the cultural sector as a complete could also be celebrating, the music trade says it can not be part of within the festive environment.
“We have to wait for the government to announce the final road map on Friday, but the draft revision sounds more complicated and complex than the Level 3 distancing rules that are in place in many parts of the country,” a music trade insider mentioned.
Kim Myung-soo, director of the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association, expressed disappointment with the draft plan.
“Though the government previously allowed concerts to be held with a 4,000 cap during the Level 3 distancing rules in June, I am not sure where the numbers 100 and 500 in the first step to ‘living with COVID-19’ scheme came from,” Kim informed The Korea Herald.
“I can’t understand why the sports teams are permitted to accept fans at a maximum of 30 percent of stadium capacity, while concerts are allowed to have a maximum of 500 in the same stadium. The new measures are difficult to comprehend in many ways,” the director added.
Kim mentioned the music trade had made its utmost efforts to cooperate with the federal government in observing the distancing measures, suspending long-awaited live shows.
“I am disappointed that the draft version of the road map sounds like the government is blaming K-pop concerts for the ongoing fourth wave of infections, while praising the cultural influence of K-pop idol groups. I remember when the government was promoting Korea’s response to COVID-19. I hope they will help us have successful large-scale events and promote them around the world along with the globally recognized K-pop,” Kim mentioned.
An official from an leisure company mentioned it too was experiencing a novel state of affairs, in that it has to think about fastidiously whether or not to share excellent news with followers.
“The agency became somewhat reluctant to announce that our artist’s hybrid online-offline fan meeting has sold out, because so many people are worried about in-person events,” the official mentioned.
“I think this is similar to concerts. Because there are so many things to consider, including the distancing guidelines, entertainment agencies are worried about announcing or even planning offline events. This may become a serious issue if continued,” he added.
While many K-pop followers are youngsters, who’ve solely lately began to get vaccinated, the federal government’s upcoming “vaccine pass” system, requiring a vaccination certificates to enter amenities the place many individuals collect, could increase questions concerning the equity of the distancing tips and insurance policies, one other official from a administration company mentioned.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Sunday K-pop superband BTS held its first international on-line live performance in a few 12 months. The boy band is scheduled to go on tour and carry out reside in Los Angeles in November and December.
By Lee Si-jin (sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)
Music trade requires extra equitable social distancing tips
Source: Panapanahon News
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