Skull & Haha to donate fees amid Miryang water festival controversy

As controversy intensifies over a large-scale water festival scheduled in Miryang, Gyeongnam—a region currently suffering from extreme drought—performers Skull & Haha have released an official statement. While they were unable to cancel the performance, they have taken responsibility by deciding to donate their entire appearance fees to help mitigate drought damage.

Quan Entertainment, the agency representing Skull & Haha, stated on the 7th, “We are deeply concerned and regretful that the ‘2026 Miryang Super Festival’ is proceeding despite the current extreme drought.”

The agency further explained, “We accept the legal necessity of fulfilling our existing contractual obligations and have inevitably decided that Skull & Haha will perform today.”

The controversy stems from the dire situation in Miryang, where drought warnings were recently upgraded to the highest 'Severe' level. The water shortage has become a crisis, with reservoirs running dry and farmland cracking. Reports indicate the situation has worsened to the point that firefighting vehicles are being mobilized to supply water to agricultural lands.

News that a large-scale festival centered on water would be held from the 7th to the 9th sparked backlash from citizens and netizens, many of whom questioned the timing. Critics argued it is inappropriate to hold a water-themed festival in a region where the drought is directly impacting lives and livelihoods.

Conscious of the backlash, Skull & Haha expressed their regret.

“We offer our sincere apologies to everyone suffering day and night to overcome this drought,” the agency stated.

However, the agency maintained that the performance could not be canceled due to prior contractual obligations. They explained that regardless of the artists' personal wishes, a unilateral cancellation was not a realistic option under the existing legal contract.

Instead, Skull & Haha and their agency have decided to donate the entirety of their performance fees to aid Miryang's drought relief efforts.

“To participate in overcoming the Miryang drought and to provide even a small amount of support to the citizens, Skull & Haha and our company have decided to donate the full amount of the appearance fees from today's performance,” the agency announced.

“We will do our best to stand with the citizens of Miryang so they do not lose hope amidst these difficulties,” they added.

This controversy raises questions beyond the participation of specific artists, touching on whether festivals and natural disasters can coexist. While festivals are cultural events intended to benefit a region, during a disaster, they inevitably become matters of social empathy and responsibility.

With a water-themed festival being held during a survival crisis caused by water shortages, a high level of social sensitivity is required from organizers, performers, and all involved parties.

While Skull & Haha could not cancel their appearance, they responded to the controversy by donating their fees. Ultimately, this situation highlights a critical challenge: looking past the excitement of a festival to acknowledge the reality of residents suffering from a natural disaster.