National Singing Contest on the 10th Anniversary of Sewol Ferry... Local Governments Bow Amid Flood of Protests

'Jeonguk Noraejarang' Scheduled for Filming on the 16th
Citizens: "A Singing Contest on the 10th Anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Disaster?"
Amid Controversy, Yeonggwang-gun Announces "Recording Rescheduled to the 11th"

Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, planned to hold a recording of KBS's 'National Singing Contest' on the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster but faced strong protests and ultimately changed the schedule.

[Image source=KBS 'Jeon-guk Norae Jabang']

On the 4th, Yeonggwang-gun announced in a post titled "Notice of Change in KBS National Singing Contest Event Schedule" that "Due to the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster on April 16, the recording schedule has been inevitably changed to June 11 to comfort and commemorate the victims and their families." They added, "We sincerely apologize to the residents who showed interest in the original schedule and applied to participate in the preliminary round of the singing contest."

Previously, Yeonggwang-gun had announced that to successfully host the '2024 Year of Visit Yeonggwang' and the '63rd Jeonnam Sports Festival and 32nd Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival,' they would hold the 'National Singing Contest' to attract visitors' interest and response. However, once it became known that the recording date was April 16, the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, critical comments began to appear on the Yeonggwang-gun official website.

There are complaint posts related to the recording schedule of KBS's "National Singing Contest" on the Yeonggwang County Office website. [Image source=Yeonggwang County Office website]

One complainant said, "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. Holding a singing contest on such a day is truly heartbreaking and shameful," adding, "Schools hold days of mourning and remembrance while educating children about safety, but the county office plans and holds a singing contest. How should we explain this to the children?"

Another complainant stated, "April 16 every year is the Sewol ferry disaster and National Safety Day designated by the government," and asked, "Is it absolutely necessary to record the National Singing Contest on April 16? At the very least, I think the county should create an atmosphere where residents can mourn on April 16." Other opinions included, "The Sewol ferry disaster is not only the pain of the victims and their families but also the pain of the citizens who witnessed it. While individuals may have their own views, the state must have a sense of mourning and respect for social disasters and victims."

Ultimately, in response to these protests, Yeonggwang-gun changed the broadcast recording schedule. Those wishing to participate in the 'National Singing Contest' can apply at each eup and myeon office by June 3. The preliminary screening will be held on June 9, and the broadcast recording is scheduled for June 11.