(Source: Author’s own)
As previously stated, K-pop concerts (particularly those staged outside) can cause a variety of environmental problems. Aside from the overt noise pollution issues caused by outdoor performances, there are also concerns about light pollution. The number of lights used for outdoor concerts is an environmental problem because their size and intensity can damage the local wildlife. K-pop fans in attendance would also use lightsticks to brighten the area, and this additional light source provides more unwanted artificial light that can harm all of the flora and biodiversity in the area.
The increase of people living alongside and sometimes within natural environments exposes vulnerable ecosystems to artificial night lighting. Thus, even a modest amount of artificial light disrupts this delicate balance, altering the colour of the sky and overpowering the starlight (Rajkhowa, 2014). Additionally, according to the International Dark-Sky Association, “any unfavourable effect of artificial light, including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, diminished vision at night, and energy waste” is considered light pollution (Rajkhowa, 2014:861). Among the problems caused by light pollution include ecosystem disruption and detrimental health effects. Some experts even believe that increased light pollution could disrupt food webs and harm entire ecosystems. This is due to how light pollution can cause the celestial compass of many nocturnal species to be obstructed, completely destroying their navigation capabilities (Rajkhowa, 2014). Hence, there is thus a need to decrease light pollution through the efficient use of lighting, and lights used in K-pop concerts are unfortunately not improving the situation.
Furthermore, while light pollution is defined as the introduction of artificial light into the environment by humans, either directly or indirectly, there is also “avoidable light pollution,” which refers to the light flow of artificial light sources that are highly intense and frequently unnecessary (Rajkhowa, 2014:861). An example of such “avoidable light pollution” can be seen in K-pop concerts/music festivals which were held outdoors, whereby the intense amount of lighting used to illuminate the area causes a glare in the area. However, this may not be the case with indoor concerts because the light is contained rather than being released into the environment, which can have a negative impact on the ecology, particularly nocturnal species. Therefore, light pollution from K-pop concerts is also a cause of concern that should be looked at.
References:
Rajkhowa, R. (2014). ‘Light Pollution and Impact of Light Pollution’. International Journal of Science and Research. 3(10), pp. 861-867.