Apink appeared on KBS’s Gayo Daechukje where they performed their 2019 hit, “Eung Eung”.
As soon as their song died down, the members all turned back to look at their dancers and the screen changed to indicate that the performance was over.
However, fans who were at the scene noticed that the members were looking at their dancers who were preparing for another dance and a new beat started playing in the background.
KBS had cut their performance short by accident or intentionally.
it isn't even that hard to show basic respect for a 9 year idol group like Apink. it takes a lot of time & effort to practice in order to be on stage for those short 3 minutes. to cut a performance like this is literally saying you don't care#가요대축제_해명해 #JusticeforApink pic.twitter.com/M1HjK26t2i
— Kit킷 🐼s/h 📚 (@pink_panda419) December 27, 2019
The hashtag “#JusticeForApink began trending worldwide on Twitter as fans demanded an explanation and apology from KBS.
They claimed it was disrespectful for KBS to cut short Apink, who has been in the industry for 9 years, or any artists’ stage as each and every idol works tirelessly for the one performance.
Just saw how KBS Gayo cut off Apink's performance halfway??
Where is the respect for Apink? They did not work hard and practise, just to get this kind of treatment.Never have I seen Chorong this mad and so done…#JusticeForApink #가요대축제_해명해pic.twitter.com/FYySmZUg9I
— 륮령 ୧⍢⃝୨ (@1tzy_) December 27, 2019
I can’t imagine how mad chorong was leaving stage without bowing for the first time in her career…the disappointment on their faces at the end killed me my girls don’t deserve this #justiceforapink pic.twitter.com/rt1GYHxcf3
— 휴룽 (@eunyoobinji) December 27, 2019
Son Naeun later took to Instagram to upload the practice video for the part of their stage that was cut off. She also left a message to thank her fans for the support and expressed her regret about not being able to show the last few moments of their performance.
There were a lot of unfortunate events that happened at the end of this year. I want to express my frustration and apologies for not being allowed to show you the complete performance that we prepared so hard for.
I want to tell my members and Free Mind who prepared so hard, as well as our staff who worked without rest since yesterday’s rehearsal, that you did well. I want to say thank you to our Pandas who waited for our performance and cheered us on. The ceremony was meant for everyone to come together to congratulate each other by closing the year with positive energy as we all worked hard this year. As much as the artists all prepared restlessly for their performances, I hope that all artists will be able to perform in a safe, fair, and satisfying environment.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Apink.
— Son Naeun
KBS has not yet responded to their actions against Apink.
Update: Chorong, Bomi, and Eunji explained what happened and their feelings about the incident.
