Why did parents walk out of K-Pop gig in Belfast amid reports of children crying in seats?

Organisers have been forced to respond to backlash over the K-Pop Forever! Tribute concert at The SSE Arena, Belfast, on Thursday last, February 19, after a number of patrons walked out during the show.

The concert is part of a world tour and features songs from across the entire K-Pop genre of music, including the smash hit K-Pop Demon Hunters movie from last year. A second concert in the same venue takes place on Monday, February 23.

Parents reacted angrily to the content of the show after they claim the images used to advertise the shows depicted characters from the K-Pop Demon Hunters franchise. Other attendees and organisers are pointing out that they were in fact generic characters similar to those in the movie.

Hundreds of families left the show early on Thursday with some even demanding refunds. Reacting online, one woman said: "We attended K-Pop Forever! Tribute at The SSE Arena, Belfast this evening. Tickets were purchased based on the advertising referencing “smash-hits including songs inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters”.

"Many children in attendance were dressed as Demon Hunters, clearly reflecting expectations around that theme. In our experience, a significant portion of the first half consisted of unfamiliar material, and overall audience engagement appeared low.

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"Although several Demon Hunters-inspired songs were included later in the show, by that stage a number of families around us had disengaged or left. We also felt that certain aspects of the performance, including the overall sound mix and some costume choices, did not fully align with what many would reasonably expect from an “all ages” event. Sharing this feedback so other families can make an informed decision."

Another parent blasted: "For a start, shouldn’t of had the K-pop demon hunters picture on it though as that’s what made it look like it was going to b a K-pop demon hunters show!"

A third added: "Clearly took advantage of the K-pop demon hunters hype. Obviously parents and kids are going to expect a show more representative of the theme!"

The SSE Arena responded via a statement hours after the concert. A spokesperson said: "We are aware of some feedback received following the K-Pop Forever Tribute show this evening at The SSE Arena, Belfast.

"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 K-Pop genre, featuring songs from BTS, Blackpink and Katseye, as well as eight hits from Demon Hunters including ‘Golden’, ’Takedown’ and 'Soda Pop’.

"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 this evening was an arena-standard tribute to the entire K-Pop genre."

Other people were quick to point out that the misunderstanding may have been due to parents and attendees themselves misreading the adverts.

One person wrote: "Can people not read descriptions? It wasn’t a kpop demon hunters act it was a kpop tribute act singing kpop songs. I never got tickets as my wee boy only likes demon hunters, not actual kpop music. Actually hilarious the amount of people complaining who obviously didn’t read what they were buying."

A second argued: "My kids and I had a great night. They loved it from start to finish. Maybe people shouldn't have told their kids it was the Kpop Demon Hunters live on stage, given they're just animated characters, and they wouldn't have been disappointed."

A third commented: "I think people are confusing KPOP with the movie demon hunters. That show tonight wasn’t a tribute to demon hunters. If you fully looked into what it was, you’d of seen that it’s not what you thought. I think people are forgetting that KPOP is an actual genre of music, not just a kids movie. I was planning on taking my child, until I looked into the actual show, what it was, and realised it wasn’t what I was thinking. It’s up to people to do their own research!"

The second date for the show takes place in the SSE Arena in Belfast on Monday, February 23, and is sold-out, according to the venue's social media channels.