During the university festival season in April and May, the words and performances of artists on stage have sparked controversies. 

Incidents include artists suddenly swearing about the school during conversations with the audience or engaging in excessively explicit 18+ performances, such as touching their private parts and bringing their hands to their mouths. 

Entertainment industry insiders suggest that these incidents result from artists losing self-control in the unique environment of university festivals. They point out that while university festivals are major events, they can also pose significant risks for artists.

On the 27th, BIBI's remarks at a university festival sparked controversy on platforms like YouTube and social media. During her performance at Namseoul University on the 25th of last month, she asked the crowd, "Who hates school? Isn't school shitty?" This drew criticism for its inappropriate timing and use of derogatory language referring to male genitalia.

The core issue lies in the context. BIBI's remarks came during a light interaction with the audience between songs, with no apparent reason to criticize the school.

Netizens commented, 

"Students paid thousands in tuition fees to enjoy the performance, but the artist is just sitting there bashing the school," and "It's inappropriate to incite negativity at a 'school' festival." 

They also criticized the remarks as neither cool nor impressive, calling them unfortunate and disappointing.

Similarly, Hwa Sa of MAMAMOO has become one of the artists associated with festival controversies. On May 12 last year, during a performance of 'Don't' with rapper Loco at Sungkyunkwan University's festival, she performed a provocative act by sitting with her legs spread and licking her hand, which drew criticism for being overly explicit.

When a fancam of Hwa Sa's performance spread online, the controversy grew. Critics noted that the performance was too explicit for a non-18+ event with attendees of various ages. 

Netizens strongly criticized the performance, saying, "I liked Hwasa's charismatic and appropriately sexy image, but this time she clearly crossed the line."

HyunA also faced backlash for a provocative performance at Korea Aerospace University in September 2019. During a performance of 'Bubble Pop!', she suddenly lifted her skirt while turning around. 

Although she was wearing shorts, their short length made the situation embarrassing and explicit. The video spread quickly on social media, with netizens commenting, 

"Who is this for?" and "The shorts are way too short," calling the performance tasteless.

In response to the controversy, HyunA posted on her social media, saying, 

"There was a simple bar or alcohol right next to the stage. It was a party where everyone could have fun and enjoy themselves. Don't worry." She added, "It wasn't a place for teenagers." 

However, netizens rebutted, stating, "Even if only adults were present, not everyone would enjoy such a performance."

University festivals present a unique stage. Unlike concerts, where only ticket holders can attend and all performances are carefully prepared, university festivals are open to anyone and often involve impromptu performances with minimal preparation. 

This environment can lead to unexpected situations. Explicit performances and swearing can be recognized as artistic expressions within the right context, but without context, timing, and place, they are prone to being labeled as crude and controversial. 

There are concerns that the significance of university festivals might be tarnished by the performances of invited artists, funded by tuition fees.