Dispatch reveals details of Wendy’s stage accident, SBS issues official apology but change is necessary

Following the scary fall and injury of Red Velvet’s Wendy at SBS Gayo Daejun the other day, many have speculated on how it happened and how much responsibility SBS bore for the incident. Dispatch recently did a report on it and make SBS certainly seem liable.

The witness stated, “Wendy conducted her first rehearsal at 11:00am on the 25th on the main stage for her Aladdin OST “Speechless” sound test. The sound test went smoothly. The accident happened later during further rehearsals.” “Wendy climbed the second floor tunnel and prepared to walk down the stairs as prepared but the lift didn’t go up. At that moment, she lost her balance and fell 2.5 meters down to the stage in a defenseless state.” “The two-story tunnel was dark and cramped. The stair lift wasn’t ready when Wendy was rehearsing. We could’ve prevented the accident by just having marking tape at that location,” he lamented. “The accident scene turned into chaos. Immediately after the accident, Wendy was taken to the emergency room by ambulance as Red Velvet members looked on shocked by the news of Wendy’s injury. Because of Wendy’s absence, she wasn’t able to participate in the pre-recording or the main broadcast.”

The details on the tunnel and the fall seem to match up with witness reports that emerged in the immediate aftermath, but Wendy’s injuries are actually slightly worse than initially reported as she has a facial fracture.

Wendy plans to focus on her recovery from the accident for the time being. She fractured her right pelvis and wrist and cracked her right cheekbone. She also suffered multiple bruises all over her body. It is expected that it will take months to recover. She’s currently in a hospital in Seoul undergoing a thorough inspection. The swelling is so severe that it’s impossible to give an accurate diagnosis.

What made things worse was SBS essentially tried to continue the show in those conditions as if nothing happened.

SBS’ insensitivity to the accident continued. The official stated. “After the accident, several groups went up to the second floor tunnel. After news of the accident spread, everyone had to perform with deep anxiety.”

At some point it’s just criminal negligence one would think.

SBS did release an actual apology, whatever that’s worth at this point.

We wish to apologize once more regarding 2019 SBS Gayo Daejeon. During the rehearsals for Gayo Daejeon on December 25, an unfortunate accident took place. SBS wishes to once more sincerely apologize to Red Velvet’s Wendy, who was injured, as well as her family, the members of Red Velvet, and fans. As Wendy’s recovery comes before all else, the director of SBS’s entertainment division and the staff have been working closely with her agency SM Entertainment since the accident occurred, and we are doing our best to provide adequate treatment for her injuries. Right after the accident took place on December 25, the staff blocked off the area and called for emergency services so that Wendy could be rushed to the hospital and undergo a thorough examination. We have begun an internal investigation into understanding the exact details of the accident, and once we fully understand the cause, we will take greater care to ensure that such an accident does not occur again. Wendy is currently undergoing inpatient treatment and examination at a hospital in Seoul. SBS promises to do our best to work with Wendy’s family and the medical staff to ensure that Wendy has a quick and full recovery. Once again, we wish to sincerely apologize to Red Velvet’s Wendy and her family.

Legal action doesn’t even seem to be considered in these articles about the incident, nor has it really been asked for by fans that just mainly wanted an apology, but I don’t see it as unreasonable to seek financial recourse if things went as described by witnesses. Hell, I would say it’s the only responsible thing to do given the history of incidents on these year-end shows and that SBS continued to show disregard to other idols even after Wendy’s injury. The broadcasters basically do not care that much about these accidents, and while it was Wendy this time, it could’ve easily been any of your faves as well.

Of course, I assume the main reason a lawsuit will not happen is the symbiotic relationship agencies have with broadcasting companies, which can have benefits for artists from major companies but in this case likely leads to SME thinking about the bigger picture concerning their relationship with SBS rather than standing up for the safety of their artist.

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