Singer PSY performs during the Summer Swag 2023 show at Jamsil Sports Complex in southern Seoul, June 30. Courtesy of P Nation
Singer PSY’s Summer Swag 2024, an annual summer concert, was brought to a halt about an hour into the show due to heavy weather conditions, on Saturday.
The first of two weekend concerts, scheduled to be held at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, kicked off at 6 p.m. on the day but was soon met with torrential rain and strong wind, resulting in a lighting fixture about five meters high on the stage collapsing. No one was reported to be injured in the incident.
“We’ve determined that it would be difficult to continue the performance due to the bad weather conditions, from heavy rain with strong gusts of wind and lightning. So we’ve decided to suspend the PSY Summer Swag 2024 performance in Gwacheon to prioritize the safety of the audience and staff,” the singer’s agency P Nation said in the press release, shortly after the concert’s cancellation.
PSY's agency said they would reschedule an alternate show for ticket buyers of that day's concert or offer refunds. The agency added that Sunday’s show will be held as scheduled.
The singer expressed disappointment later that night, explaining it was the first time he’d met such circumstances.
“The sudden rush of wind, rain and lightning was so unpredictable and was a situation that I’ve never experienced. At that moment, the most important thing was the safety of the audience and staff. I express my deepest gratitude that my words cannot fully express to the audience who responded calmly,” he said, also thanking the city and the venue’s related officials for ensuring the safety of people returning home.
“Today, each of you came a long way with your own expectations. However, we had no choice but to stop the performance due to unexpected weather conditions. I was also upset watching everyone leave. Nevertheless, nothing was more important than the safety of the audience. Thank you once again for your understanding.”
Summer swag is one of the most popular summer concerts held here due to PSY’s energetic performance and the massive ensuing water extravaganza.
This year’s show, which opened in Wonju in Gangwon Province, is scheduled to be carried out in nine different locations across the nation, including Busan and Daegu.
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