Organisers defend KPop tribute gig after social media backlash

Organisers of a major KPop tribute concert at a Belfast arena have defended the show after a litany of complaints over the quality of the performances.

The KPop Forever! Tribute show took place in the SSE Arena on Thursday, with further gigs due to take place next Monday and on 16 May.

KPop - or Korean pop - has seen huge global success thanks to acts like BTS, Blackpink and the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters.

However people who attended the gig took to social media on Thursday night to air their frustration with claims of performers miming, a lack of KPop Demon Hunters content and concerns over the show's appropriateness for young children.

Aiken Promotions and the SSE Arena said that "whilst the majority of customers enjoyed the show, we understand that this was not what some expected; however, we are content that the show delivered was an arena-standard tribute to the entire K-Pop genre".

The SSE Arena's statement on Facebook has attracted more than 1,000 comments, with many people complaining about what they saw during the show and whether it was worth the price of a ticket.

One commenter said the gig was not "arena standard" while another said there was "no effort" made with the performers' costumes, wigs and the staging of the music.

Others complained that hits from KPop Demon Hunters - including Golden and Soda Pop - did not happen until late in the show, when many had left, while some said the gig should have had age guidance as it was not for young kids.

However, others defended the gig saying it was not advertised as just about KPop Demon Hunters and one writing that their niece had "the time of her life".

The description of the event on the SSE Arena's website says the concert features "all-live performances of smash-hits including Blackpink, BTS, Twice, Soda Pop, Golden and many more, this is the ultimate non-stop party for all ages".

It says KPop Forever! will "take audiences on a journey that they will never forget with four epic live vocalists, accompanied by four world class dancers amidst a background of eye-popping lighting and effects".

"With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record-breaking film KPop Demon Hunters, this spectacular is one not to be missed."

In statements on Thursday night, Aiken Promotions and the SSE Arena said they were "aware of some feedback received following the KPop Forever tribute show".

"The show played in Belfast tonight as part of a world tour, and the content, design and choreography has been built to represent the full KPop genre, featuring songs from BTS, Blackpink and Katseye, as well as eight hits from Demon Hunters including 'Golden', 'Takedown' and 'Soda Pop'," the statements said.

"Whilst the majority of customers enjoyed the show, we understand that this was not what some expected; however, we are content that the show delivered was an arena-standard tribute to the entire K-Pop genre."