KBS Cancels Red Carpet Events Amid Political Turmoil
In light of the recent political unrest following President Yoon Suk-yeol's unexpected declaration of martial law, KBS has announced the cancellation of the red carpet events for the upcoming '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards' and 'KBS Gayo Daechukje'. On December 13, KBS confirmed that the red carpet for the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards', scheduled for December 21, will not take place this year. The awards ceremony will still be held live at KBS's new building in Yeouido, Seoul, hosted by Lee Joon, Lee Young-ji, and Lee Chan-won. Notably, popular host Yoo Jae-suk will be attending for the first time in four years, generating significant anticipation. However, due to the ongoing effects of the martial law, KBS decided to cancel the red carpet just a week before the event, meaning fans will miss appearances from artists like aespa and IVE.
Additionally, KBS also announced the cancellation of the red carpet for the '2024 KBS Gayo Daechukje', which will feature hosts Zico, IVE's Jang Won-young, and actor Kim Young-dae. The event will still showcase performances from various artists, including NCT 127, ENHYPEN, and (G)I-DLE, but without the red carpet segment. KBS expressed gratitude for the interest in the festival and emphasized that the decision was made to focus on delivering a better live broadcast.
The decision to cancel these red carpet events appears to be a response to the unstable political climate following President Yoon's martial law announcement on December 3, which shocked the nation. The first impeachment vote on December 7 was rendered invalid due to a lack of quorum, but a second vote is scheduled for December 14. Amidst this turmoil, speculation arose about the potential cancellation of award ceremonies across major broadcasting networks, but KBS has opted to proceed with the events while scrapping the red carpet appearances. It is anticipated that MBC and SBS may follow suit in canceling their red carpet events as well.
