Massive Attack puts 5·18 footage on Pentaport screen, sparks audit
After Massive Attack screens 5·18 Democratization Movement footage and US intervention subtitles at Incheon Pentaport, the city council signals an audit.
Incheon City Council Responds to 5·18 Video and US Intervention Subtitles
The performance presented by British rock band Massive Attack on the stage of the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival on the 1st has become embroiled in political controversy. This is because footage documenting the 5·18 Democratization Movement was displayed on a large electronic screen during the performance, accompanied by subtitles mentioning US intervention.
Incheon City Council member Lee Beom-seok of the People Power Party shared the scene of the performance via social media (SNS) on the 3rd, expressing his intention to conduct an administrative audit. Councilman Lee raised issues regarding the moment when, while the 5·18 Democratization Movement documentary footage was playing, subtitles appeared stating, 'In 1980, the United States supported the civilian massacre committed by the Korean government in Gwangju.' As the Pentaport Rock Festival is an event hosted by Incheon City and managed by the Incheon Tourism Organization with 2 billion won in city funds invested, this method of delivering the message has emerged as a subject for administrative review.
Socially Critical Stage Composition Including 'Sidae Yugam' Remake
At the start of the performance, Massive Attack displayed the phrase "K-pop was born in a period of resistance against dictatorship and corruption" on the large electronic screen. They followed this by screening footage of the 5·18 Democratization Movement and labor rallies from the 1980s, and performed a remake of Seo Taiji and Boys' song 'Sidae Yugam.'
The trip-hop group Massive Attack, who debuted in 1991, showcased a rock sound utilizing live instruments and synthesizer electronic music during this stage. Jamaica-born guest vocalists Horace Andy, Deborah Miller, and Elizabeth Fraser participated in the performance. During the 'Safe from Harm' stage, they delivered socially critical messages by visually exposing images of war and soldiers wearing steel helmets.
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