Dangerous Fireworks Incident Makes Fans Worried For IVE An Yujin’s Safety At The “2023 Ulsan Summer Festival”

Recently, an incident involving IVE‘s An Yujin nearly having an accident on stage gained attention among netizens.

IVE members | @ivestarship/Instagram

From August 5 to 10, the 2023 Ulsan Summer Festival took place, featuring many K-Pop artists such as NMIXX, Kwon Eunbi, Lee Mujin, ITZY, Jo Yuri, NCT Taeyeong, and more. IVE performed on August 7, and the recorded performance was aired a week later on August 12 as a special segment on MBC‘s Show! Music Core.

The “2023 Ulsan Summer Festival” poster | MBC

During IVE’s energetic and powerful last song, “I AM,” An Yujin sang the iconic high note at the end of the bridge. When she sang the lyrics “1, 2, 3, fly up,” a large firework exploded.

Your browser does not support video.| Lunatic Soul/YouTube  

The smoke from the explosion appeared to have entered An Yujin’s eyes, causing her to close her eyes temporarily. This incident was captured in on-site camera footage and became known to the public. In the video, An Yujin closed her eyes for about ten seconds while continuing with the choreography.

Her eyes appeared to be causing discomfort, but when her part of the song came up, she wiped her eyes with her hand and continued the performance seamlessly, demonstrating her professionalism.

Your browser does not support video.| Spinel CAM/YouTube 

It wasn’t just An Yujin who was affected by the fireworks. At the same moment, Liz jumped at the sudden noise of the firework and was unable to do the choreography for a few seconds.

Your browser does not support video.| Lunatic Soul/YouTube 

Those who saw the video praised An Yujin’s professionalism for continuing with the performance despite her eyes stinging. Some voiced their concerns at the direction of the fireworks.

| Spinel CAM/YouTube

• “Our Leader An with a professional mindset and coolness”
• “She’s such a pro for opening her eyes for her part despite the pain”
• “Her moving formations with her eyes closed is amazing”
• “Doggy An is such a P.R.O.”
• “It must have hurt but wow, Doggy An”
• “My love yujin…”
• “Our doggy who sang and danced with her eyes open even if they were stinging… I love you”
• “Our Yujin is the best!”
• “How can they let the firework go off right in front of them? It’s even pointing in the singer’s direction…”
• “Didn’t Yujin do Lasik? Her eyes may be more sensitive than others?”

The frightening moment was not captured in the Show! Music Core broadcast. The explosion was shown in a full shot, but when it came to the part when An Yujin closed her eyes, the frame switched to a close-up of Liz. An Yujin can be seen behind Liz for a brief moment, closing her eyes.

Your browser does not support video.| MBCkpop/YouTube

While impressive stage productions are important, the safety of artists performing on stage is the top priority.

Watch the moment here.