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| B-boy team Jinjo Crew / Korea Times file |
By Kim Se-jeong
With social distancing due to the COVVID-19 pandemic making it difficult to enjoy live music, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a plan Wednesday to bring performers to residential or other areas where people can gather safely.
According to city officials, residents can file concert requests via culture.seoul.go.kr with the name of the groups they want to see and the city will try to arrange a concert.
Not all groups will be available though.
"We would not be able to bring BTS to residents, for example. But, we have a pool of musicians that the city works closely with and we're hoping to connect them with the residents," one official said, adding the local government has a list of almost 1,200 musicians and artists.
Two concerts have already been scheduled, one at Seonam Hospital in Yangcheon-gu and the other at Seoul Narae School in Seocho District where local classical musicians and a b-boy dance team will perform, respectively.
In addition, the city is preparing to stage concerts on moving trucks.
"The trucks will move around the city with musicians performing onboard. The service will begin in late August," the official said.
The plans aren't just to help the residents but also local musicians who were among the hardest hit by the pandemic. Music venues have stayed closed for months to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and musicians have had to struggle to get by.
The central and regional governments have jumped to help them via initiatives like cash support and policy changes. Seoul is offering cash support for organizers of online concerts. In May, the National Assembly passed a law enabling self-employed musicians to receive employment insurance when they have no work.
The city is also helping artists. Seoul Museum of Art has been purchasing their works and will exhibit them at public venues in September.
"We're hoping to help city residents and local musicians and artists cope with the pandemic through the programs we will offer," acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said.
Under the plans, the metropolitan government is also increasing the number of cultural activities across the capital.
It will fund regular concerts featuring local musicians at the 20 outdoor venues across the city, including Donuimun Museum Village, Seoul Botanical Park, Garden 5 and Ttukseom Hangang Park. A weekly classical music concert will be staged at Seoul Station, as well.
Starting September, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will offer a variety of performances for 1,000 won. But the discount will be given only to those from low-income families. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr for more information.
Seoul History Museum and Seoul Museum of Art are also rolling out a variety of programs to entertain residents.
The city has ensured the health of the performers taking part in the program for their safety and that of audience members. Visit culture.seoul.go.kr to see the full list of concerts and other activities.
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