K-Pop band 4Minute have released a statement after 16 people died at an open air concert they were performing at in Seongham, South Korea yesterday (October 17).
As reported, the fatal accident happened at an outdoor show at Pangyo Techno Valley and
left 16 people dead and a further 11 seriously injured when a ventilation grate gave way after 20 to 30 people climbed onto it to get a better view of the show. The group then fell 20 metres (65ft) into an underground parking area below.
A statement released by 4Minute’s label, via Billboard, shares the group’s concerns for their audience and their regret at the deaths while clarifying that the group were unaware of the accident while performing on stage.
“We can’t express how regretful they are for what happened,” the statement reads. “The performance wasn’t solely a 4Minute show, but a stage shared by many artists for an event. During their performance, none of the members or staff were aware of the accident and finished their complete set. It wasn’t until they arrived back in Seoul that they heard of the news regarding the accident. We hope the audience wasn’t hurt in this accident.”
4Minute formed back in 2009 and have grown to be one of the country’s highest selling acts since. 700 people are reported to have been in attendance at the Pangyo Techno Valley show.