Concert Cancellation Requests Raised in Community
Chukhyup Also Considering Venue Change Due to Turf Issues
A petition requesting the cancellation of singer IU's concert, scheduled to be held on the 21st and 22nd at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has been submitted to the National Petition Board, and the Seoul city government is reportedly reviewing it. On the 11th, an online community, DC Inside, posted a message titled "Requested Seoul City to cancel IU's concert." The author, Mr. A, wrote, "As a fan of player Son Heung-min who dedicates himself to the country, I filed a petition through the National Petition Board to offer even a little support."
Singer IU faced backlash over her criticism of the grass made by soccer player Son Heung-min. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Specifically, Mr. A stated, "It seems inevitable that the condition of the grass will deteriorate further due to the large crowds gathering on the day of IU's concert," adding, "Since the third round of the North and Central American World Cup qualifiers between South Korea and Iraq is scheduled to be held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, I believe full efforts should be made to manage the grass during the remaining period."
He continued, "When I asked the manager, I was told, 'The use of Seoul World Cup Stadium facilities prioritizes football matches in principle, but concerts (such as those by singers) are held in the remaining schedule. This is a practice done every year.' According to the Ordinance on the Installation and Operation of Seoul Municipal Sports Facilities, 'the mayor may refuse or cancel the use when deemed necessary.' Mayor Oh, who has the authority, should take action," he argued.
On the 11th, an online community DC Inside posted a message titled "Requested Seoul City to Cancel IU Concert." The author, Mr. A, wrote, "As a fan of player Son Heung-min, who dedicates himself to the country, I filed a complaint through the National Petition System to help him even a little." [Photo by online community 'DC Inside']
Previously, the poor condition of the grass at Seoul World Cup Stadium was widely publicized by Son Heung-min, captain of the national football team. On the 5th, after a 0-0 draw against Palestine in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Son told reporters, "It is unfortunate that the pitch condition in Oman was better," and added, "Today, controlling the ball and dribbling were difficult," pointing out the condition of the grass at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The Palestinian coach also mentioned the grass. Coach Makram Daboub said, "From our perspective, the grass condition at Seoul World Cup Stadium was not 100%," and "We tried very hard to adapt to this grass."
As complaints about the grass at Seoul World Cup Stadium continued from the national team players, the Korea Football Association is reportedly considering holding the scheduled home match against Iraq for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers at a different stadium. Meanwhile, IU will hold the '2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT ENCORE: THE WINNING' at Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 21 and 22. The concert, with about 100,000 seats, has already sold out completely.
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