The Show Must Go On: Why K-Pop Is The Blueprint For Virtual Concerts
RollingStone India|July 2022
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
The Show Must Go On: Why K-Pop Is The Blueprint For Virtual Concerts

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?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROLLINGSTONE INDIAView all
SPICE WORLD
RollingStone India

SPICE WORLD

Ice Spice ignored the haters, commanded our attention, and became a new kind of star. Next up: a great debut album

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2024
Pritam: THE HIT MAKER
RollingStone India

Pritam: THE HIT MAKER

INSIDE THE MIND OF HINDI FILM MUSIC DIRECTOR PRITAM CHAKRABORTY, WHO RECENTLY WON HIS FIRST NATIONAL AWARD FOR BRAHMASTRA: PART ONE - SHIVA, ON HOW HE CREATES SCORES THAT ENDURE AND SONGS THAT CLOCK MILLIONS OF STREAMS

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024
K-Drama Flashback: 'My Name'
RollingStone India

K-Drama Flashback: 'My Name'

'My Name,' starring Han So-hee in the titular role, deftly subverts gender norms in society via a story of relentless fight for revenge

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO SILENT HILL AGAIN
RollingStone India

LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO SILENT HILL AGAIN

The 'Silent Hill 2' Remake has you returning to that restless dream from 23 years ago

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
FIFTY FIFTY: 'WE'LL CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR BEST SELVES'
RollingStone India

FIFTY FIFTY: 'WE'LL CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR BEST SELVES'

Fifty Fifty's single 'Cupid' was a viral hit. The K-pop girl group is back with renewed vigor, releasing its new album, 'Love Tune.' The following interview covers details, insights, and anecdotes

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
EXCISE DEPT: 'IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE STRONG, BOLD CONTRASTS'
RollingStone India

EXCISE DEPT: 'IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE STRONG, BOLD CONTRASTS'

From An Armory Of Instruments To Personal Stories Told With An Uncharacteristic Straightforwardness, The Delhi/Goa Band Are Taking Over The World With Their Latest Full-Length

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Mali is Heading to SXSW Sydney in October
RollingStone India

Mali is Heading to SXSW Sydney in October

For the longest time I have known that my music has a significant market outside the country,' says the Chennai/Mumbai pop artist

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Ji Chang-wook, Lee Jun-ho, and Cha Eun-woo to Star in Superhero K-Dramas
RollingStone India

Ji Chang-wook, Lee Jun-ho, and Cha Eun-woo to Star in Superhero K-Dramas

Features the upcoming 'Twelve,' 'Cashero,' and 'The Wonder Fools' with the Korean stars in exciting new roles

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Yoon Seobin Makes a Stylish Comeback with 'Rizz'
RollingStone India

Yoon Seobin Makes a Stylish Comeback with 'Rizz'

The Korean actor and singer well-known for starring in the K-drama Kissable Lips' returns to the music scene after a 10 months hiatus

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Markio Tanaldo Pours Out Emotions in 'Mera Koi Na'
RollingStone India

Markio Tanaldo Pours Out Emotions in 'Mera Koi Na'

The Arunachal Pradesh singer-songwriter's second release is a poignant Hindi song that pays tribute to his late father

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024