[On-site Video] Cheonggyecheon Performance Returns After 2 Years... Artists and Citizens Say "Happy and Excited"

[Asia Economy PD Yoon Jin-geun] “(The performances) seem like they will become more active, so I’m happy.”, “Just being able to share songs with the citizens feels very moving.”

On the afternoon of the 23rd, sweet guitar and percussion sounds echoed near the Mojeon Bridge area of Cheonggyecheon, in front of the fountain at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul. Street performances along Cheonggyecheon, which had disappeared due to the spread of COVID-19, have returned to the citizens after more than two years.

The Seoul Facilities Corporation, which manages Cheonggyecheon, opened waterfront stages at Mojeon Bridge, Gwangtong Bridge, Gwanggyo, Jangtong Bridge, and Ogan-su Bridge starting that day, resuming waterfront cultural and artistic performances. Cheonggyecheon waterfront cultural and artistic performances began in 2005 and continued until February 2020, when they were suspended due to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

This performance marks the return of cultural events after about two years and four months of suspension at Cheonggyecheon. A corporation official said, “We expect that street performances encountered while strolling along Cheonggyecheon will become a pause in everyday life.”

On the first day of the performance, two shows were held at Cheonggye Plaza in front of Mojeon Bridge. Citizens walking near Cheonggyecheon stopped to watch the performances and took photos and videos with their mobile phones. They sat on the open ground in front of the stage, clapping their hands as they enjoyed the music.

Ms. Park Se-jin (22) said, “It feels like COVID-19 is easing and daily life is being restored,” adding, “I hope COVID-19 will end completely soon and many cultural contents will open so that citizens can comfort their tired hearts.”

Mr. Lee Do-hyung (30) said, “I usually listen to a lot of music, but performances were very stagnant due to COVID-19. Now that social distancing is easing, I think performances will become more active, which is great.”

The artists on stage that day also expressed special feelings. Percussionist Batata (stage name), who plays drums, cymbals, and castanets, said, “I hardly did any offline performances for two years and only did online shows,” adding, “Just being able to share songs with the citizens feels very moving and made me feel good.”

Guitarist and vocalist Lee Ki-hyun said, “There were not many opportunities to perform due to COVID-19, so I’m happy and excited to be able to perform comfortably in a crowded place.”

Meanwhile, Cheonggyecheon waterfront cultural performances are planned to continue until the end of December and will be held daily from 12 PM to 10 PM.