Sik-K is facing backlash for being booked at Waterbomb 2025 despite recent drug conviction.
The hip-hop artist was sentenced in May 2025 for marijuana possession and use. He received a 10-month prison sentence with a two-year suspension, probation, and 40 hours of mandatory drug treatment from Seoul Western District Court. Sik-K showed deep remorse during his trial. The prosecution has appealed, keeping his legal status in review.
Sik-K is set to perform on July 4 at Waterbomb Festival’s outdoor global stage at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do. Public outcry erupted after the lineup was announced.
Festival organizers defended their decision citing:
"His voluntary confessions of marijuana use and full cooperation with the investigation, the remorse and sincerity he displayed during the legal proceedings, his agency’s guarantee that the rapper will handle future activities responsibly, and a prior commitment to fans."
They acknowledged fans’ right to hold artists to a
“higher ethical standard”
and said the lineup choice may be reconsidered depending on his appeal outcome and public opinion changes.
Sik-K views the performance as a chance to fulfill obligations to fans as an artist.
The Waterbomb controversy continues as fans and netizens monitor the situation closely.
