Korean TV broadcaster SBS apologized once again for the falling accident of Wendy from K-pop girl group Red Velvet. Wendy fell two meters from a lift over the stage during a rehearsal for 2019 SBS Gayo Daejeon, the broadcaster’s annual music award festival.
Wendy was going to sing “Speechless” from the “Aladdin” soundtrack at the concert. Fans were told to stay away after the accident happened. From this accident, Wendy was not able to participate in the live show for the award festival and a collaborative performance was also canceled.
Fans were infuriated when SBS only gave a three-line apology on the website, saying “Red Velvet’s Wendy was injured in a tragic accident during rehearsal. We sincerely apologize to fans and viewers for she could not make it on the live stage. We hope Wendy will get well soon, and SBS will put extra attention to safety issues.” SM Entertainment said in a statement: “Wendy went straight to the hospital and had a thorough medical examination. The doctor said she had an injury to part of her face and a fracture on her right pelvis and wrist.”
One of the reasons fans were enraged was that SBS’ apology did not give a full account of what happened and expressed regret only to the fans and viewers, not to the injured performer. As the group has only just released its new album “The ReVe Festival-Finale” with the main track “Psycho”, Wendy’s injury can also influence the group’s upcoming schedule. Some fans demanded compensation from SBS, and some made a petition post on the Cheong Wa Dae website.
A day after the show, SBS made a second online apology mentioning Wendy. “A tragic accident happened during the rehearsal show for the Gayo Daejeon. For this accident, we once again sincerely apologize to Wendy from Red Velvet, her family, and fans. Since her recovery is what is most important, SBS authorities and SM Entertainment are trying at their best to make sure she receives proper treatment,” the post said.
“Staff controlled the situation as soon as the accident happened, making an emergency call so Wendy could receive medical help. SBS has launched an investigation to find the real cause of the accident. After the investigation, we will take close care to make sure an accident like this never happens again.” Wendy’s injury may have a bigger impact on the group, possibly leading to the cancellation of the group’s upcoming events including “Red Velvet Arena Tour in Japan ― La Rouge,” which was planned to take off on January to March next year.
Source: The Korea Times