Coldplay Invites Deaf Audience Members and Provides Special Vests
The world-renowned band Coldplay successfully concluded their second concert in South Korea, which was held six times over the course of ten days.
Before the afterglow of the concert faded, Coldplay's special invitation and consideration were conveyed, adding to the emotional impact.
According to a KBS report on the 24th, Coldplay invited 30 deaf audience members to the concert and even prepared a special area for them.
An Jeong-in, the representative of the Korea Deaf Children’s Education Research Institute, shared through sign language interpreter Go Gyeong-hee, “I think about ten people were invited on the day I attended. Over the three days, 30 deaf individuals were invited.”
The invited deaf audience members were provided with ‘wearable vests’ that transmitted vibrations to their bodies, allowing them to feel the rhythm of the performance immediately upon wearing them. Coldplay has reportedly been preparing these vests for deaf audience members since 2022.
Director An commented on the wearable vests, stating, “I could feel it 2-3 times more surely than listening. This is because I could feel more sound waves through the vibrations,” adding that “thanks to that, I was able to enjoy the concert very much.”
Additionally, three official sign language interpreters were present at the venue to accompany the deaf audience members. They conveyed the emotions of the concert through expressions and gestures.
In contrast, while it is legally mandated in the United States to have sign language interpreters at performances, there is no such requirement in South Korea.
In South Korean venues, to see a sign language interpreter, an individual must request the organizer or the agency directly unless the organizers prepare one in advance.
In this regard, Director An stated, “Deaf individuals can do everything. I hope people think that ‘if it’s not about listening, we can do everything.’ It would be great to provide opportunities for sign language interpretation services and to offer more chances to enjoy performances.”
YouTube 'KBS News'
Image Sources: YouTube 'KBS News', Instagram 'Coldplay'
