Double Trouble at Waterbomb Macau Festival
Serious questions about performer safety have emerged after not one, but two major K-pop stars encountered medical emergencies on the same stage during the 2025 Waterbomb Macau festival on November 9th. The event turned concerning when ATEEZ member Mingi suffered a significant injury, followed by veteran artist HyunA collapsing during her performance.
Mingi's Painful Fall and Diagnosis
According to an exclusive report from Star News, the incident occurred when Mingi slipped on a protruding part of the stage during ATEEZ's performance. The accident resulted in a serious injury that required medical attention upon his return to Korea. Doctors confirmed what fans feared most - Mingi fractured the fourth finger on his left hand and is currently wearing a cast to facilitate healing.
The timing and location of Mingi's accident made it particularly alarming, as it happened on the very same stage where, earlier that day, HyunA had fainted during her performance of the hit song 'Bubble Pop!'. The popular artist had to be assisted off stage by concerned staff members, creating an atmosphere of worry among attendees.
Festival Safety Under Scrutiny
The back-to-back incidents have cast a harsh spotlight on the safety protocols and stage conditions at the Waterbomb Macau festival. Having two prominent artists experience serious health and safety issues on the same stage within hours of each other has sparked outrage among the K-pop community.
Fans and industry observers are now questioning whether proper safety measures were in place and why the stage design included hazardous protrusions that could cause performers to slip during high-energy routines. The identical location of both incidents suggests systemic safety failures rather than isolated accidents.
No Break for the Injured Performer
Despite the significant injury, Mingi's agency, KQ Entertainment, has announced that the artist will not take any break from his activities. The company confirmed that Mingi will proceed with all scheduled commitments, including the upcoming 2025 Korea Music Festival.
With the busy year-end holiday season approaching, ATEEZ's schedule is expected to become even more packed with additional concert dates and fan events. KQ Entertainment has attempted to reassure concerned fans by stating that the finger fracture will not significantly hinder Mingi's ability to perform, though many remain skeptical about this assessment.
Fan Outpour of Concern and Criticism
The decision to continue with a demanding schedule has triggered waves of concern across social media platforms. ATEEZ fans, known as ATINY, have flooded various online channels with messages expressing their worry about Mingi's wellbeing.
Many fans have posted emotional appeals such as "I hope he doesn't overdo it and gets plenty of rest" and concerns about whether proper recovery time is being prioritized over commercial commitments. The anxiety is particularly heightened given ATEEZ's rising global profile, which includes an ongoing world tour and recent celebration of their 7th debut anniversary.
Fans are now closely monitoring Mingi's condition and whether he can safely continue performances without risking further injury or delaying his recovery process. The incidents have ignited broader conversations about the physical demands placed on K-pop artists and whether enough protections exist within the industry.
