TWICE to hold offline concerts only between Dec.25-26 due to stricter COVID-19 night curfew

▲ This photo shows K-pop girl group TWICE performing on stage. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- K-pop girl group TWICE's Seoul concert, scheduled on Dec. 24, was canceled as the government tightened social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to its management agency on Thursday.

"We are faithfully implementing the social distancing guidelines set by the government and health authorities to prepare safe offline performances for both audiences and artists. As the operating hours of the concert venue are limited, we inevitably canceled the Dec. 24 concert," JYP Entertainment said.

As part of its world tour, TWICE was scheduled to hold Seoul concerts at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena or KSPO Dome, in eastern Seoul, between Dec. 24-26.

However, to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the government announced to restore a 9 p.m. curfew on restaurants and cafes while indoor sports facilities operate until 10 p.m.. 

The duration for TWICE's concert is scheduled for 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, considering encore stages and unexpected delays, the Dec. 24 concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., is expected to exceed the curfew time. 

On the other hand, the girl group's concerts on Dec. 25 and 26 will begin at 6 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively, making it possible for TWICE to finish its performances on time.

"TWICE's Seoul concerts between Dec. 25-26 will be the only performances held offline and the Beyond Live online performance will be held on Dec. 26," JYP Entertainment said. "We will inform everyone about the ticket cancellation and refund process in detail through a separate notice."

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