The Show Must Go On: Why K-Pop Is The Blueprint For Virtual Concerts

Mike Schabel, the president of video tech startup Kiswe, explains the preparation that goes into organizing a virtual show and why the future is hybrid concerts

- Divyansha Dongre

It wouldn't be a hyperbole I to state that the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we function. Virtual classrooms were no longer a distant future nor was working from home a wistful dream we assumed would not fit within the corporate structures of the world. Regardless of the setback of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed on several sectors, no industry was as severely hit by the repercussions as the live entertainment industry.

According to World Economic Forum, the revenue generated from live performance was the "biggest casualty." To put things into perspective, a six-month halt was estimated to cost the industry over $10 billion in sponsorships. The music industry, especially K-pop, was quick to respond through a series of interactive live concerts that fans could enjoy from the safety and comfort of their homes. This experience didn't guarantee the adrenaline rush a live, in-person show would offer, but it kept the fans, music and artists connected to one another.

Today, nearly two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the live industry is back on its feet. Major music festivals such as Coachella, Head in the Clouds, as well as live performances by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, BTS, TWICE, NCT 127 are back in full force. In fact, for some artists such as BTS, the in-person performance in Las Vegas was marked by a week-long extravaganza, where Vegas was painted purple and the city hosted several BTS-themed events, including their four-day sold-out stadium show. With the economy slowly opening up and fans looking forward to catching their favorite artist on tour in person, where does that put live concerts? Does the live entertainment industry still have a spot for its saving grace that supported the industry through the turmoil period of 20202021?