K-pop's Music Bank show at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena has been postponed as the coronavirus outbreak continues to threaten the UAE's large-scale events. The concert was due to take place on Saturday, March 21; a new date has not yet been given.
The K-pop Super Concert on Friday, March 20, is still scheduled to go ahead.
South Korean bands Twice, Seventeen, Monsta X, Jus2 and Exo's Baekhyun were due to take to the arena's stage for Music Bank on the Saturday night.
"The South Korea-based organisers of Music Bank in Dubai have unfortunately taken the decision to postpone the event due to take place at Coca-Cola Arena on March 21. We're eagerly anticipating the event to return to the market in the future. Ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund from their point of purchase," a spokesperson for Coca-Cola Arena told The National.
[Notice] Postponement of Music Bank in Dubai
— MAKESTAR (@Makestarcorp) March 3, 2020
We sincerely apologize for not keeping the promise of the concert.
We hope that the COVID-19 crisis will end quickly and sincerely wish you all good health.
Thank you.
🔗 https://t.co/05Mt6ZwyQQ pic.twitter.com/epCDOaTYh0
Music Bank is a show that began in 1998 and airs performances by artists in various locations around the world. Popular groups perform their biggest hits as the hosts countdown the top songs of the week on the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) show.
Makestar, the promoters of Music Bank in Dubai, released a statement online.
"We would like to apologise to all the audiences who have reserved tickets for the concert and have been looking forward to it.
"In light of the global developments around the COVID-19 virus, and the increasing number of infections confirmed in South Korea, Makestar and the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), have taken the prudent decision to postpone ‘Music Bank in Dubai’ scheduled for March 21st at the Coca-Cola Arena.
"This is to ensure an uncompromisingly high standard of experience for all and to secure the best talents to perform for the large fan base across the region."
The promoter added: "We eagerly anticipate the event to return to the market in the future with new dates to be announced as soon as possible."
K-pop fan speculation
Fans had been asking about the status of the shows in the days and hours leading up to the announcement.
"Can KBS cancel or postpone that Music Bank in Dubai event," wrote one on Monday, March 2. Another simply asked: "Any updates about KBS Music Bank Dubai?"
ANY UPDATE IF MUSIC BANK DUBAI IS CANCELLED OR MOVE TO ANOTHER DATE? BECAUSE OF THIS VIRUS THING
— Nger (@Bangkilon) March 2, 2020
Other fans seemed to have the inside track on the news, announcing that Exo's Baekhyun's – who was due to perform at Music Bank – schedule was now clear.
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