Asia: Hey! Say! JUMP; The Chainsmokers; Goo Hara & More

Brendon Thorne/Singapore GP via Getty Images – The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers painted Singapore red at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit during its last trek through Southeast Asia. The band partnered with TikTok to create an online challenge to promote its upcoming World Way Joy dates.

Hey! Say! JUMP Says No Shows

At the end of May, Hey! Say! JUMP, one of Japan’s biggest boy bands, announced it was cancelling all upcoming arena shows on their current tour due to fan behavior.

According to an article in the daily Asahi Shimbun newspaper, the 9-member group, managed by boy band juggernaut Johnny’s and Associates, has noticed an increase in “bad manners” displayed by certain fans when the band travels from one city to another.

The announcement was made on the band’s fan website but caused ripples of shock throughout the show business world.

Though it isn’t unusual for fans to stalk the group in public, there have always been certain self-imposed rules among the group’s followers regarding interpersonal encounters.

Because Japan is relatively compact and rail transportation is extensive and convenient, many Japanese groups prefer traveling by train rather than plane, and if fans happen to be on the same train as their idols, they understand that they are not supposed to be on the same car as the group.

However, about two years ago, according to the group’s message, there was an incident on one train where fans who were wishing the group a safe trip knocked over a woman carrying a baby.

More recently there have been incidents on trains where fans of the group blocked aisles and made it difficult for other passengers to get on or off the trains at stops.

In one case, the fans caused the delay of a super express leaving from Sendai in northern Japan, which is a huge social faux pas since Japanese train schedules tend to be calculated down to the second.

One music critic told the Asahi that the reason for this sudden increase in bad behavior is the rise of social media. More fans now know exactly where their heroes are at any given time and they also understand where they are going.

In addition, talent management companies like Johnny’s are very sensitive to public opinion and any bad publicity caused by unruly fans reflects badly not only the group, but on the management company and all the acts they administer.

Johnny’s will certainly lose a lot of money by canceling what are surely to be sold-out shows, but it apparently doesn’t compare to the potential loss in reputation.

Philly Orchestra Partners With Shanghai Institutions

The Philadelphia Orchestra has completed its 2019 tour of China, and the ensemble’s officials reportedly announced that they have signed a three-year deal with ShanghaiTech University and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra to carry out an exchange program “through collaborative residency work.”

According to the Philly Voice the orchestra’s musicians will travel to ShanghaiTech University to work with the Shanghai Philharmonic’s musicians on rehearsals and concerts, while also participating in coaching and master classes for the university’s faculty, staff and students.

A statement released by the university said that the institution “believes it’s not enough to nurture students’ academic potential in scientific research, we also have to nurture their creativity and cultural understanding. This partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra is a unique chance for students and faculty to gain access to world-class musical performances on campus and to engage in musical activities.”

The Philadelphia Orchestra says it hopes to act as a bridge between the United States and China as the two countries go through a tense relationship owing to the current trade friction. This last tour marks the orchestra’s 12th tour of China since 1973, when it became the first American orchestra to ever perform in the country.

The Chainsmokers Kick Off TikTok Campaign

Live Nation is partnering with China’s extremely popular micro-video app TikTok in supporting the Asian leg of The Chainsmokers’ World Way Joy Tour with an online challenge called #WhoDoYouLove in Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand.

According to the Manila Standard, the Philippines’ part of the challenge started May 24. It encourages users of the app to create their own videos featuring the group’s latest single, “Who Do You Love.” The 10 most creative videos submitted will receive access to The Chainsmokers’ concert in the winners’ particular bailiwick and get to meet the two musicians face-to-face. They will also win select merchandise.

Influencers such as Alex Louisse, Issey Miyake Parto and Mark Alelis have made personalized videos to promote the campaign on a regional basis.

In a press release, TikTok’s Steven Tannason wrote, “TikTok allows users to capture and present the world’s creativity, knowledge and moments that matter in everyday life, and is committed to building a community by encouraging users to share their passion through their videos. Together with Live Nation, we are launching the #WhoDoYouLove hashtag challenge to empower people to express their creative ideas, as we celebrate trends and embrace diversity on this vibrant platform.”

TikTok is currently available in more than 150 markets and 75 languages. The Chainsmokers launch their Asia tour on Aug. 15 in Manila.

Goo Hara Found Unconscious

This year, the K-pop world has been shaken by a string of sex-related crimes.

The latest victim seems to be Goo Hara, a former member of the girl group Kara, who were extremely popular more than ten years ago and even had their own TV show in Japan.

Goo was found unconscious in her Seoul apartment on May 26. It’s believed she had attempted suicide and remained unconscious in a hospital the next day.

Goo’s former boyfriend, who was unnamed in the Fuji TV (Japan) report on the incident, has been accused of sexually assaulting Goo and threatening to release a sex video that features her.

The case is now in court and Goo was scheduled to appear as a witness on May 30. 

Police Report 98 Q1 Ticket Scam Incidents

Channel News Asia reports that Singapore police have received 98 reports of e-commerce scams involving concert and event tickets between January and April of this year.

In such cases, either the victims did not receive tickets they had paid for or were given invalid tickets after paying for them.

Since a number of high-profile concerts will take place in Singapore over the coming months, including appearances by Jay Chou, Shawn Mendes, as well as Ultra Singapore 2019 and the 2019 International Champions Cup, the police have cautioned the public to be more alert to possible ticket fraud.

In 2018, police reported more than 200 incidents of e-commerce ticket scams.