Skull & Haha Decide to Donate Full Performance Fees Amid Miryang Drought

Musicians Skull & Haha are set to take the stage at a festival in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, a region currently suffering from severe drought. They have decided to donate their entire performance fee to aid in overcoming the drought in Miryang. As the drought warning in the Miryang area was recently upgraded to the 'Serious' stage, concerns have grown within the local community regarding the hosting of the '2026 Miryang Super Festival,' an event themed around water.

Quan Entertainment, the agency representing Skull & Haha, released an official statement on the 7th regarding their participation in the performance. The agency expressed deep regret over the current drought situation in Miryang and stated that they are fully aware of the citizens' concerns regarding the insistence on holding the festival. However, they decided to proceed with the scheduled performance after accepting a legal judgment that makes it difficult to cancel the show due to existing contractual obligations.

Balancing Contractual Obligations and Community Concerns

This decision goes beyond mere participation in a performance. In a notice, Quan Entertainment bowed its head, stating, "We offer our sincere apologies to everyone who is suffering day and night to overcome this drought." The artists sought a practical solution between their legal responsibility to fulfill contractual duties and the emotional discomfort felt by local residents.

Miryang City decided to proceed with the event as planned after comprehensively reviewing the potential economic contraction and impact on local businesses if the festival were canceled, as well as examples of water festivals in other regions. In this process, the performers, Skull & Haha, agreed to ensure the performance would be directed toward benefiting the region. The agency stated, "We will do our best to stand with the citizens of Miryang so they do not lose hope."

Sincerity Expressed Through Full Donation of Performance Fees

Skull & Haha will donate their entire performance fee from the '2026 Miryang Super Festival' stage to help overcome the drought in Miryang. This decision aims to provide practical assistance to local residents who are struggling amidst public criticism regarding the decision to push forward with the performance. The agency made it clear that through this donation, they intend to be of even a small help to the citizens of Miryang.

The festival will take place over three days from the 7th to the 9th around the Miryang River. While planned as a summer festival combining water activities, performances, and sports experiences, controversy has persisted regarding the use of water given the drought conditions. Since their debut in 2012, Skull & Haha have continued their musical activities based on reggae and hip-hop, releasing various tracks such as 'Ya Man,' 'Dang Digi Bang,' and 'Chwi.'

Background and Controversy of the Miryang Super Festival

This year's Miryang Super Festival is being held amidst the tension between the goal of revitalizing the local economy and the reality of worsening weather conditions. Despite the drought warning reaching a serious stage, Miryang City decided to proceed, considering the impact the festival would have on the local commercial district. As calls for the performers' social responsibility arose during this process, Skull & Haha made the decision to donate their entire performance fee.

An official from the agency sent another message of consolation to the citizens of Miryang and related parties through the statement. Skull & Haha emphasized their commitment to standing with the citizens of Miryang so they can overcome the crisis and find hope again through this performance. The festival, which began on the 7th, is raising questions about the social role of local festivals under the unique circumstances of the drought.

Full Official Statement from the Agency

Quan Entertainment stated, "First, we offer words of consolation and encouragement to the citizens of Miryang and all those involved who are suffering from the extreme drought." They continued, "While we are deeply concerned and regretful that the festival is being pushed forward despite the severe drought, we have accepted the legal judgment that we must fulfill our contractual obligations and have inevitably decided to have Skull & Haha perform today."

The statement also included apologies and a commitment to support those affected by the drought. The agency stated, "In this regard, we offer our apologies to everyone who is suffering day and night to overcome the drought." Furthermore, it specified, "To participate in overcoming the Miryang drought and to be of even a small help to the citizens of Miryang, our company and Skull & Haha have decided to donate the entire performance fee received from today's performance." Finally, they added, "Quan Ent and Skull & Haha will do our best to stand with the citizens of Miryang so they do not lose hope even amidst these current difficulties."