The much-anticipated K-Pop Festival Open Air #2 in Vietnam has found itself embroiled in controversy and facing severe backlash due to mismanagement, leading to a cascade of withdrawals from participating artists. The two-day event, originally set to unfold at the My Dinh National Stadium on December 23 and 24, boasted a star-studded lineup featuring renowned acts like EXO’s Chen and Xiumin, TRI.BE, Super Junior D&E, INFINITE, HIGHLIGHT, MAMAMOO+, and more.

However, the excitement surrounding the festival turned into disappointment and frustration as multiple artists began announcing their withdrawal just days before the scheduled event. The first blow came on December 20 when INFINITE declared their decision to pull out, citing the organizers’ repeated failure to fulfill contractual obligations and their inability to confirm whether essential local permits had been secured for the event.

MAMAMOO+ Pulls Out of Upcoming Music Festival in Vietnam

Following INFINITE’s announcement, a domino effect ensued, with other high-profile acts, including Super Junior D&E, HIGHLIGHT, MAMAMOO+, The Wind, Jaejoong, TRI.BE, and 2PM’s Nichkhun and Jun.K, confirming the cancellation of their appearances. The wave of withdrawals not only left fans devastated but also raised concerns about the festival’s viability as a whole.

The primary issues cited by the withdrawing artists were the organizers’ failure to meet contractual obligations and the uncertainty surrounding essential permits for the event. The lack of clarity and assurance from the organizers regarding the necessary approvals added a layer of skepticism to the entire affair.

As fans expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media, the spotlight turned to BOM Entertainment, the organizer of the festival. Despite the mounting criticism and the widespread cancellations, BOM Entertainment has yet to release an official statement addressing the situation, leaving fans and the public in the dark about the fate of the K-Pop Festival Open Air #2.

The incident highlights the importance of thorough and transparent event management, particularly when dealing with high-profile artists and large-scale festivals. The organizers’ failure to secure necessary permits and fulfill contractual obligations not only jeopardizes the event but also undermines the trust of both participating artists and fans. As the controversy unfolds, the K-Pop community awaits a response from BOM Entertainment and hopes for clear communication regarding the future of the festival.