KBS 'Immortal Songs' NYC Concert: Full Story of a Dream Lineup Turned Logistical Nightmare

What happens when a dream K-Pop lineup meets a logistical nightmare? The KBS 'Immortal Songs' concert in New York, held back in 2023, became a case study in mismanagement, sparking fan outrage over everything from a last-minute lineup change to serious safety concerns. Despite a star-studded roster, attendees left with feelings ranging from disappointment to outright anger.

A Shaky Start: Venue Change and Lineup Dropout

The event was initially billed as a massive show at Met Life Stadium, boasting performers like ATEEZ, NewJeans, and PSY. However, poor ticket sales reportedly forced a downgrade to the Prudential Center. Along with this venue change came a critical announcement from promoter Studio PAV: NewJeans was no longer part of the lineup. Fans were frustrated by the hassle of re-booking tickets and the loss of a major act, setting a negative tone before a single note was played.

A Cascade of Failures: From Tech Glitches to Safety Hazards

The problems didn't stop there. According to attendees, the day of the concert was plagued by issues. ATEEZ's soundcheck was cut down to a single song, instead of the typical three or four, due to time constraints. During the main show, reports surfaced of frequent technical problems, including screen projection errors and poor sound mixing. The concert also ran significantly behind schedule; by its supposed end time of 11 p.m., PSY had yet to perform, and the show finally concluded around 11:40 p.m..

The most alarming issue, however, involved the VIP 'send-off' perk. Fans reported that the event, which should have taken place in a separate, controlled space, was moved to the main stage due to time constraints. This led to a dangerous situation where crowds pushed towards the front to get a glimpse of the artists, causing some to lose their seats and fear for their safety.