The much-anticipated “K-pop Super Live” event, the grand finale of the increasingly controversial 25th World Scout Jamboree, has found its home in Seoul. While the inclusion of chart-topping sensation NewJeans was confirmed, the reception hasn’t exactly been all cheers and applause.
Originally, the “2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree K-pop Super Live” was slated to light up the skies at an outdoor special stage in Saemangeum, Buan, Jeollabuk-do on August 6th. However, due to the scorching heatwave and a series of heat-related incidents, the organizers hastily rescheduled and informed attendees of a new date, August 11th. Initially set for the Jeonju World Cup Stadium, the venue took a last-minute shift to the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul.
With such abrupt changes, the star-studded lineup was inevitably shaken up. Groups like IVE, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX, STAYC, and VERIVERY were initially on the roster. But, due to the sudden rescheduling, NMIXX, VERIVERY, and STAYC had to drop out of the event, causing major disappointment for fans.
Then NewJeans entered as a relief pitcher. Having recently topped the Billboard 200 within a year of their debut and fresh off a live performance at Lollapalooza, they’re undeniably global superstars. Yet, their inclusion isn’t entirely met with open arms. Critics argue that NewJeans is being used as a scapegoat, expected to shoulder the burden and rescue the embattled Jamboree, especially given its series of mishaps.
Rumors also swirl around SEVENTEEN potentially joining the lineup, but their participation is up in the air depending on the final venue. As for BTS, with members Jin and J-Hope currently serving military duties and Suga recently canceling his military service postponement request, their appearance remains a big question mark.
Amid all the controversies, the 25th World Scout Jamboree faces another challenge: participants’ early departure due to the approaching Typhoon Kanun since August 7th.
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