The Return of 'Heumppeok Show' After 3 Years Sparks Flood of Criticism... Why?

'Heumbbeok Show' Resumes After 3 Years Since COVID-19 Pandemic
Psy Directly Mentions "Using 300 Tons of Water for Heumbbeok Show"
But Severe Drought This Spring... Criticism Grows
"Using 300 Tons for Performance During Severe Drought Is Inappropriate"

Singer Psy announced the resumption of 'Hmph Show' after three years, and it has been revealed that about 300 tons of water will be used during the performance, leading some to argue that it is "inappropriate given the severe drought situation." The photo shows a scene from the Hmph Show performance. Photo by YouTube channel 'officialpsy'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The singer PSY, who has been loved for his unique stage performances, is facing criticism over his 'Hmphok Show.' Amid severe droughts causing distress to farms nationwide, the massive amount of water used in the 'Hmphok Show' has become a contentious issue. Critics argue that it is a waste of resources for a one-time entertainment event.

PSY is resuming his signature summer concert, 'Hmphok Show,' after three years. On the 3rd, PSY announced on his official social media channels that he would hold the 'PSY Hmphok Show SUMMER SWAG 2022' performance. The Hmphok Show, known for its concept of drenching the audience with water to beat the heat, has been one of the most anticipated summer concerts, beloved by many. However, it was suspended for three years due to the large-scale spread of COVID-19, leaving many fans disappointed.

Started in 2011, the 'Hmphok Show' is famous for its performance involving water cannons installed throughout the venue that spray water on the audience. Because a large amount of water is sprayed throughout the concert, waterproof phone cases, extra clothes, and sandals have become essential items for participants to avoid the water barrage.

However, the return of the Hmphok Show has not been met with only warm reactions. Given the ongoing severe drought affecting farms nationwide, using approximately 300 tons of water for entertainment purposes is seen as inappropriate. Earlier, on the 4th of last month, PSY appeared on MBC's entertainment program 'Radio Star' and mentioned the Hmphok Show, stating, "The water costs are high. We use 300 tons of drinking water per performance."

According to PSY, in 2019 (from July 13 to August 24), a total of 11 performances were held nationwide over about a month. If 300 tons of drinking water were used per show, it is estimated that approximately 3,300 tons of water were consumed. Considering that this year's concert is expected to run for about a month like previous years, a similar amount of water is likely to be used again.

Singer Psy announced the resumption of 'Hmph Show' after three years, and it has been revealed that about 300 tons of water will be used during the performance, leading some to argue that it is "inappropriate given the severe drought situation." The photo shows a scene from the ongoing Hmph Show performance. Photo by YouTube channel 'officialpsy'.

The problem is that some local governments have recently held rain prayers, reflecting the severity of the spring drought. On the 6th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs conducted an emergency inspection of crop growth conditions by region and crop type following nationwide rainfall from the 4th to the 6th. They reported that regions such as Incheon, Gyeonggi, Chungnam and Chungbuk, Yeongseo in Gangwon, and western Jeonnam, where rainfall was less than 20mm, are still insufficient to alleviate the drought. Additionally, as of the 5th, the nationwide cumulative rainfall over the past six months was 166.8mm, less than half of the average rainfall of 344.8mm, marking the lowest level since nationwide meteorological observation networks were expanded in 1973.

As a result, criticism of the Hmphok Show is growing. Im Mo (25), a job seeker who has attended the Hmphok Show since university, said, "I remember being surprised by the singer's energy when I went during my first year of college," adding, "The Hmphok Show is a passionate concert where PSY doesn't end the show until the last train departs, which is its charm, but I plan to skip it this year."

He continued, "It's uncomfortable that while some are suffering from drought damage, others are wasting hundreds of tons of water for a concert," and pointed out, "In a drought situation, it would be appropriate to either hold the event without using water or find ways to reduce water usage."

A Twitter user, Mr. A, also criticized, saying, "In drought-stricken America, even watering lawns is regulated," and added, "Given the drought, using a large amount of water for performances should be restrained." Currently, the U.S. has introduced water-saving measures such as restricting lawn watering due to worsening droughts caused by climate change. According to USA Today on the 2nd (local time), water authorities in Southern California announced measures to limit outdoor water use to 1-2 times per week in areas including Los Angeles (LA), San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Violations of water-saving guidelines can result in fines up to $600 (approximately 750,000 KRW).

Regarding the criticism of the Hmphok Show, Professor Eun-hee Lee of Inha University's Department of Consumer Studies said, "As channels for information exchange on environmental issues have increased recently, environmental sensitivity has grown significantly," and diagnosed, "Combined with the drought, this has led to public criticism of the Hmphok Show's large water usage."

Professor Lee added, "From the singer's perspective, the concert concept involves water, so it is impossible not to use water at all," but also said, "The singer's side needs to accept some criticism by reducing water usage, considering the social difficulty of the drought. Also, since PSY is a highly influential celebrity among people in their 20s and 30s, ranking first in university festival bookings, he should take a leading role."

Meanwhile, a representative from PSY's agency stated, "We are reviewing reports related to the Hmphok Show," and added, "Since this is a concert that has been prepared for a long time, it is a sensitive situation."