TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei City Government dismissed reports on Thursday (Dec. 5) that it pressured singer Kulilay Amit (張惠妹), better known by her stage name A-Mei, to extend her concert at the Taipei Dome (台北大巨蛋) on New Year's Eve. The city aims to manage an expected crowds exceeding 200,000 during the New Year's Eve celebrations and Amit's concert on Dec. 31.
Taipei Authorities and Amit's team agreed that Amit would extend the concert until 1:30 a.m. This move intends to stagger the dispersal of attendees from both events. However, Some critics perceived this as the city shifting the burden onto the artist. In response, Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) emphasized the city's responsibility for crowd control, stating they did not ask Amit to perform additional songs.
Hsieh Ming-hong (謝銘鴻), head of Taipei's Department of Transportation, noted the collaboration between the city and the concert organizers as a display of mutual sincerity. He mentioned this is the first time a New Year's Eve celebration coincides with a Taipei Dome concert. Hsieh also expressed gratitude for the organizers' proposal to continue activities post-concert, highlighting it as one of the city's contingency measures.
When asked if the city urged Amit to extend her performance, Hsieh responded that it was false. He assured the city has prepared for efficient crowd dispersal and transportation arrangements. The city government remains committed to ensuring attendees' smooth and safe experience. They urge concertgoers and revelers to cooperate with the planned measures to avoid congestion.
