By Honorary Reporter Adinda Permatasari from Indonesia

Photos= Korea.net DB

With COVID-19 spreading in more than 100 countries including Korea, K-pop fans are heartbroken. With the number of confirmed cases rapidly increasing, many K-pop concerts or performances have been canceled.

For instance, GOT7's world tour that was set for Thailand and Singapore this month was canceled, as were other performances abroad by K-pop acts such as Taeyon. The girl group Twice also had to nix a fan meeting in Japan.

Fans who bought tickets to these events had no choice but to get refunds. Meanwhile, other organizations have postponed K-pop events until the situation gets better. This is also causing economic losses as well as disappointment since many international K-pop fans had booked flights and accommodations to attend the events.

As a K-pop fan, I know how fans feel and can imagine how sad it was when their dream to see their idols on stage was ruined. And I believe the K-pop acts also feel terrible, too.

As soon as news of the cancellations broke, many idols went to social media to console their fans. Certain acts sought to relieve this disappointment with something extraordinary: a new kind of concert using technology. This is what my favorite group Winner did after having to cancel the rest of its Asian tour because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Soon after Winner announced the cancellation of its concert, members said they would hold an online concert through livestreaming apps. Fans felt excited and relieved after hearing the news.

What's more, all fans got front-row seats and cheered for the group without fear of the coronavirus. And the online concert lasted about as long as a real concert. Winner sang almost all of its hits and its song list was similar to what it had planned for the Asian tour.

Through this concert, fans were not only entertained but could also communicate directly with the group. They could post comments and the group could respond right away.

Social media with a livestreaming feature is a good way for K-pop idols to communicate with and meet their fans. This platform is a good solution for performers to present live shows or fan meets.

Let's keep praying that this outbreak ends soon and for all K-pop fans to be able to see their idols perform in person again.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.