Busan Residents and Visitors Disappointed by Unexpected New Year's Eve Drone Show Cancellation

Tens of thousands of individuals who gathered at Gwangalli Beach in Busan for a New Year's countdown were met with disappointment as the much-anticipated drone show was canceled due to a technical error. The event, which promised a dazzling display of drones in the sky above the Gwangandaegyo bridge, was expected to be a major highlight as the clock struck midnight ushering in the New Year.

Immediate Online Backlash

The abrupt cancellation led to an immediate response on online community platforms and social media, where attendees voiced their frustrations on Monday. The Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show had generated significant interest, but hopes were dashed when the show experienced delays and was ultimately called off at around 12:30 a.m.

Confusion and Disappointment

A video circulating online captured the confused crowd moments after the cancellation announcement. Disgruntled attendees, including one woman who traveled from Seoul and paid a high price for an ocean-view hotel room specifically for the show, were left dissatisfied. Many attendees criticized the organizers for not providing timely updates on the situation, particularly as initial cancellations were communicated solely in Korean, leaving foreign guests in the dark.

The organizers, the Suyoung-gu Office of Busan, attributed the cancellation to an unexpected malfunction in the telecommunications system that was meant to control the drones.

Show Highlights and Rescheduling

Before the letdown, rehearsal footage of the drone show had gone viral, drawing a crowd of over 80,000 to the beach. The showcase was designed to feature around 2,000 drones forming a countdown to 2024 and depicting a blue dragon symbolizing the upcoming year. Fortunately for those who missed out, the Suyoung-gu Office has rescheduled the show for 7 p.m. on Monday.

cancellation, complaints, drone