"Not Enough with the Water Bombs, Now Disposable LED Invitations?"... Broadcaster Julian Waterbomb's 'Bitter Words'

Criticism of Disposable LED Use in Invitations
Expressing Discomfort Over Excessive Water Usage

As the intense heatwave continues, voices of criticism are emerging regarding summer 'water festivals' such as Heumbbeok Show and Waterbomb. On the 27th, Julian, a Belgian-born broadcaster and environmental activist, posted a video on his Instagram story showing a Waterbomb VVIP invitation along with the comment, "Disposable LED on the invitation?" He added, "For reference, this is not the invitation I received. I do not plan to attend this year either. I actually feel uncomfortable about the excessive use of water."

On the 27th, Julian, a Belgian-born broadcaster and environmental activist, posted a video containing a Waterbomb VVIP invitation on his Instagram story, along with the comment, "Disposable LED on the invitation?" He added, "For reference, this is not the invitation I received. I do not plan to attend this year either. Honestly, I have an uncomfortable feeling about water overuse." [Photo by Julian on Instagram]

The post shows that when the invitation box is opened, a Waterbomb festival video plays on an LED screen. Although the invitation is contained in a paper box, it is made of a material that is difficult to recycle, and the LED itself could be used as a disposable item, raising concerns about potential controversy. The Waterbomb Festival is a stage event where water cannons are fired from the stage and the audience engages in water gun fights.

This year's Waterbomb Festival will be held from July 5 to July 7 at the Kintex Outdoor Global Stage. However, every year there are criticisms about excessive water usage. In particular, in 2022, when the entire country suffered from drought and some regions implemented water restrictions, criticism of Waterbomb's excessive water use intensified.

At that time, actress Lee El drew attention with her candid remark, "Waterbomb concert uses 300 tons of water; I wish it could be poured into the Soyang River." The Soyang River, which flows through Inje and Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, was severely dried up due to extreme drought. However, some argued that it is inappropriate to single out water use at Waterbomb performances since large amounts of water are also used in water parks, golf courses, and other places. There was also a claim that it is not problematic because the organizers purchase the water at their own expense.

South Korea's average annual precipitation is 1,299.7 mm (average from 1986 to 2015), about 1.6 times the global average of 813 mm. However, due to high population density, the annual precipitation per capita is 2,546 cubic meters, which is about one-sixth of the global average of 15,044 cubic meters. Additionally, it is estimated that only about 26% of the annual precipitation is actually available for use.

Furthermore, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) analyzed in its 2021 report on 'Progress in Water Stress Levels by Country' that South Korea's water stress level of 85.52% is at a severe level. Because of this, summer 'water festivals' have become staple content at amusement parks and festival events, but criticism regarding excessive water use is expected to continue.