A Boiler Room event in Seoul, South Korea, featuring renowned DJ Peggy Gou, was abruptly shut down on July 27 due to overcrowding concerns. The incident occurred at the SFactory venue, where safety concerns arose after reports of overcrowding and potential crowd crush risks. Authorities quickly responded, dispatching 11 fire trucks and 42 firefighters to manage the situation and ensure the safety of attendees.
According to The Korea Times, the event was halted between 12:30 AM and 12:40 AM, just before Peggy Gou was scheduled to take the stage. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense and uncomfortable, exacerbated by the high heat and humidity. One attendee noted, “It was 35 degrees outside and humidity level was around 80%, we were in a tropical state. Everyone was sweating, everyone was angry, everyone was struggling.” The overcrowding issue was reportedly so severe that only a limited number of people could see Gou perform, even if the event had continued.
While initial reports suggested that the venue was over capacity, with claims of up to 6,000 attendees for a venue with a registered capacity of 2,000, Boiler Room has since clarified that the event was not over capacity according to their records. The organization acknowledged that crowd-flow issues were the primary concern, leading to the early closure of the event. “Contrary to what has been reported, we sold to the capacity that was instructed by our partner in Seoul,” Boiler Room stated. They also confirmed that all ticket holders would receive a full refund.
Peggy Gou expressed her disappointment on social media, emphasizing the importance of safety at events. “I am deeply upset and heartbroken that my performance was canceled before I even had the chance to play my music due to the organizer’s operation and safety issues,” she wrote. Gou reassured fans that she is planning a return to Seoul for a larger event with enhanced safety measures.
The incident has drawn comparisons to other tragic events caused by crowd mismanagement, including the Itaewon Halloween tragedy in Seoul and the Astroworld festival in Houston. This has prompted discussions on improving safety protocols at large gatherings, particularly in growing scenes like Korea’s rave and electronic music events.
Both Boiler Room and Peggy Gou have pledged to prioritize attendee safety in future events, with Gou’s team reviewing risk assessments for upcoming shows. The event’s abrupt end serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and crowd control at live events.