JYJ’s Overseas Fans Release Joint Statement: “KBS Tarnished Korea's Brand Image"

JYJ’s overseas fans have released a joint statement today demanding a clear explanation from KBS and the Jeju local government in regards to the sudden cancellation of the group’s appearance from the special broadcast of “New Seven Wonders Concert.”

In a statement of protest, JYJ’s overseas fan alliance said, “JYJ’s fans in Korea and abroad have been criticizing KBS and the Jeju local government for passing on the responsibility to each other, and have asked for a clear explanation for canceling JYJ’s appearance. But KBS and the Jeju local government have only made nonsensical excuses that were unconvincing, which as a result, greatly disappointed many fans home and abroad.”

It continued, “In particular, KBS explained the reason for cancelling JYJ’s appearance was because of the casing of f(x) and SNSD, two artists under SM Entertainment who are in a lawsuit with JYJ. They said JYJ was less popular than f(x), and it was necessary to show various stages for the Jeju people’s better cultural experience, which only increased speculation of ‘backdoor pressure’ being the main cause of the cancellation.”

The alliance added, “To say JYJ, who just completed a seven-country, ten-city world tour, is lesser known and less popular than f(x) makes us wonder what criteria the decision was made under.”

“JYJ’s cancellation has caused fan disappointment, monetary losses in flight and hotel costs, and more than anything, tarnished the entire image of Korea’s positive brand. The fact that the most representative broadcaster of a country is heavily influenced by the power of a private entertainment agency in its casting decisions substantially drops the credibility of Hallyu, and furthermore that of Korea,” it added.

They closed the statement by saying, “This is not a problem just pertaining to KBS and Jeju Island, but rather across the whole Korean pop culture industry. As a fan of JYJ and a consumer of Hallyu, we ask KBS to take responsibility for hurting Korea’s positive image and bringing down its credibility.”

Fans from multiple countries including Spain, Finland, Turkey, Peru, Mexico, the US, and Taiwan, joined together for this statement. Meanwhile, JYJ is seeking legal actions against KBS and the Jeju local government for cancelling their scheduled appearance without prior notice or agreement.

Source: Star News