Fans are disappointed by the sudden cancellation of Ft Island concert. They were told about the cancellation on the day of the concert and some of them had arrived at the venue when they were told about the cancellation. Fans were not only left with heart broken and frustration but there's also no good explanation why the concert was canceled. Only the day after the cancellation of the concert that CI-entertainment gave out a respond on the matter.
CI-Entertainment's respond:
Dear FT Island fans, worried parents, sponsors, invited guests, members of the media and all the other parties involved or affected in/by FT Island 1st Live in Malaysia 2008.
We would like to apologise for the cancellation of FT Island 1st Live in Malaysia on March 30th 2008. The concert did not continue due to management decision at the very last minute and we would like to apologise for all the inconveniences caused.
We understand that the fans have placed their hopes to watch the concert and all of us are saddened by this decision as well.
Refund for the purchased tickets shall start on Sunday, April 5th and details for procedures, venue and time shall be disclosed on Thursday.
We will also be in touch with other parties involved in the concert such as the international fan communities regarding other concerned issues.
Your kind understanding is very much appreciated and again, we are deeply sorry for all inconveniences caused.
- End -
Korean media article:
"It was shocking because the situation wasn't fit for performing."
At the unexpected cancellation of FT Island's First Live in Malaysia, the fans there have broke into protest.
FT Island, who had left for Malaysia on 27 to stay until the 31st, was scheduled to perform live at the huge resort Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre. However, the sponsoring agency CI Ent announced the cancellation of the concert and due to the lack of proper announcement, it led to protest by many fans who arrived at the amphitheatre.
According to Malaysia's brother newspaper Korea Phrase, "CI Ent announced the cancellation of the concert at the fan meeting, the day prior. And on the concert day, they only hung the cancellation sign on the main entrance but did not take necessary actions for fans. Therefore, numerous fans who had arrived at the amphitheatre at 6pm did not return home right away but demanded to see the concert."
In addition "among fans, there were those who had come via concert tour package from countries such as Singapore and Thailand." When fan's protest occured, CI Ent sent a spokesperson at 8:30 pm to announce to the fans that "the concert has been canceled due to urgent conflicts." However, he refused to explain in details or mention anything about ticket refunds, compensation for fans and possibility of later concert date.
To this issue, FT Island's party could not hide their disappointment.
F&C explained "The concert being canceled the day before does not make any sense. On the day of the concert, our staff visited the amphitheatre and was left speechless. They had nothing prepared to set up special stage effects, videos, instruments...etc. This was why we had pushed the rehearsal date to the day of the concert in first place."
F&C also added "FT Island was waiting at the hotel for the rehearsal. However, our staff concluded that it was just impossible to perform. We had trusted CI-Ent based on our previous workings with them. This makes us feel so angry. Even though FT Island was guaranteed only 20~30%, we had planned to perform as long as things were ready."
One Korean concert representative said "The main reason our artists' concert get canceled is due to the lack of information that lead us to sign the deal with immature concert agency. Who will compensate for the fans who have traveled from other countries to see the artists? In the end, this brings shame upon the Korean wave and it is the artists themselves who suffer the most."
Credit: Younhap News + 1takeKK@loveft-i (translation), arustyxglove@Ft.island.soompi.thread & K-popped.com.From here we can even see who's the one to blame and it's definitely not the Ft.Island boys. CI-entertainment is just too unprofessional. This sucked so bad. Ft.Island boys will left with bad impression on Malaysia. I hope they will still be willing to come visit Malaysia in the future. Ft.Island, we LOVE you guys soooo much, please come visit Malaysia again.
