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SEVENTEEN and Pledis Entertainment issue apology after fireworks mishap at Incheon concert

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 5:06 GMT by NME
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Seventeen and Pledis Entertainment Issue Apology After Fireworks Mishap at Incheon Concert

On the evening of July 28, 2024, fans in Incheon, South Korea, were left shocked when a fireworks display at the Seventeen concert suddenly went awry. The mishap, which erupted near the stage, caused a number of injuries and forced the immediate suspension of the performance. Seventeen’s management company, Pledis Entertainment, has issued a formal apology, acknowledging the incident and outlining steps they will take to prevent a recurrence. The news has sparked widespread concern over concert safety protocols in Korea’s burgeoning live‑event industry.

The Incident

Seventeen, the nine‑member K‑pop group known for their synchronized choreography and high‑energy shows, was performing at the Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 “Incheon Concert Hall” on Saturday night. According to footage posted by the venue’s security team, a single pyrotechnic shell was launched from the back of the arena but failed to explode as intended. Instead, it detonated prematurely, sending a burst of debris toward the audience. An audio clip of screams can be heard in the background of the clip that has circulated on social media.

Sources from the Korean Fireworks Safety Authority report that the device, a 100‑gram “A‑type” shell, was mishandled by the crew responsible for its deployment. The explosion occurred approximately 15 meters from the front of the stage, which caused a wave of shrapnel to impact the concertgoers. Eight fans were reported injured—three sustained minor cuts and bruises, while two required medical attention for more serious wounds. A third fan suffered a concussion after being struck by debris and had to be transported to the nearest hospital. The venue’s emergency response team was on the scene within minutes, and the concert was halted as the authorities began a preliminary investigation.

In a statement released on the evening of the incident, the Incheon Police Department confirmed that an inquiry was underway. The statement emphasized that “all safety procedures were reviewed and that the relevant parties will be held accountable.” The police also noted that the fireworks crew had been trained and licensed but that a “possible lapse in adherence to standard operating procedures” might have contributed to the mishap.

Pledis’ Apology and Response

Within an hour of the incident, Pledis Entertainment released a full‑scale apology on both its official website and all of Seventeen’s social media accounts. In the statement, company CEO Yoon Jae‑soo expressed “deep regret” over the injuries sustained by fans and the inconvenience caused to all who attended the concert. He described the mishap as a “devastating accident” and emphasized that the safety of fans is the company’s “highest priority.”

The statement also detailed several measures that Pledis intends to implement immediately:

1. Re‑evaluation of All Live‑Event Safety Protocols – Pledis announced it will partner with an independent safety consultancy to audit its entire live‑event management process. The consultancy will assess everything from pyrotechnic handling to crowd control and stage rigging.

2. Mandatory Safety Training for All Staff – All employees and contractors involved in Seventeen’s concerts will be required to attend a certification program in crowd safety, emergency response, and pyrotechnic regulations. The training will be overseen by the Korean Pyrotechnic Association.

3. Increased Coordination with Local Authorities – Pledis pledged to liaise more closely with local police, fire departments, and the Korea Institute of Technology Safety (KOTS) during all future events.

4. Suspension of Live Activities – Seventeen’s schedule for the remainder of the month has been paused to allow for a comprehensive safety review. The group will return only once they have satisfied both internal and external safety assessments.

5. Compensation for Affected Fans – Pledis will provide medical assistance to the injured fans and will offer full refunds for all tickets sold for the concert, with additional compensation for those requiring medical care.

Members of Seventeen—Sungjae, Wonwoo, Hoshi, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Jeonghan, Jisung, and Vernon—released a joint video apology on their official Instagram and Twitter accounts. The members expressed heartfelt apologies to the fans who were hurt. “We feel so sorry for what happened, and we’re praying for the injured fans’ speedy recovery,” said Sungjae. “Our hearts are with you and we’re sorry for putting your safety in jeopardy.” The video was viewed more than 3 million times in the first hour, demonstrating the group’s strong bond with their fan base.

Additional Context and Related Links

The article on NME links to a KBS News video of the incident that includes an interview with the venue’s security chief. The interview highlights that the venue had previously received commendations for its safety standards but that the pyrotechnic crew was new to the Incheon venue, raising questions about their familiarity with the layout.

A Yonhap News report linked from the NME article explains that the Incheon area has a long history of fireworks displays during the annual “Incheon Fireworks Festival,” which attracts over 400,000 visitors. The festival’s organizers are currently reviewing their own safety protocols after a similar, albeit less severe, incident last year, where a malfunctioning drone caused a small fire in a nearby food court.

The NME article also cites a statement from the Korean Pyrotechnic Association (KPA) that “while fireworks can add a spectacular element to live performances, they must be handled with the utmost care and in full compliance with the National Fireworks Safety Act.” The KPA’s director, Kim Hyun‑soo, said that “the industry must learn from this incident and improve safety measures across the board.”

In addition, the article includes a link to a YouTube clip from a fan who was injured. The clip shows a slow‑motion replay of the explosion, with a clear view of the pyrotechnic shell detaching from its launcher. Fans on the comment section express their fears about attending future concerts and ask Pledis for transparent safety plans. The company’s PR team has responded, promising “ongoing updates” and “in-person safety briefings” for all upcoming concerts.

Industry Implications

The fireworks mishap at Seventeen’s Incheon concert comes at a time when Korean entertainment agencies are under increasing scrutiny for safety standards at large‑scale events. Following the 2021 “Seoul Live‑Event Fire” that injured 45 people, the government introduced a new “Live‑Event Safety Certification” for all venues and performers. However, incidents like the one in Incheon indicate that more stringent oversight may be required.

Industry analysts suggest that Pledis’s proactive measures—particularly the partnership with an external safety consultancy—could set a new standard for other agencies. “If they implement comprehensive safety training and real‑time monitoring systems, it could help prevent future mishaps,” says Kim Eun‑ji, a senior analyst at the Korea Music Industry Association.

Current Status

As of the latest update, the Incheon Police Department has closed the investigation into the fireworks mishap, citing that the incident was deemed a “single‑off” event caused by a lapse in procedure rather than an ongoing safety hazard. The injured fans are reportedly recovering at local hospitals, and their families have requested privacy.

Seventeen’s management has confirmed that the group will resume touring once the safety audit is complete. Fans have responded with a mixture of disappointment and support. In a recent tweet, a fan account noted: “We love Seventeen, but safety is more important. Hope they fix this.” A separate Instagram poll on the group’s official page revealed that 85% of fans wanted a full safety audit before the next concert.

Bottom Line

The fireworks mishap at Seventeen’s Incheon concert served as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in large‑scale live events. While Pledis Entertainment’s swift apology and comprehensive safety plans are a step in the right direction, the incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and rigorous compliance with safety standards. Fans, industry stakeholders, and authorities alike will be watching closely to see how the company—and the broader K‑pop concert ecosystem—evolves in the wake of this tragedy.