The recent UMK event saw a gathering of many recognizable faces, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with past artists. Within the audience, a separate sofa area was designated for previous UMK contestants, including personalities like Viivi, Sara Siipola, and Goldielocks, who provided commentary for the show's pre-broadcast on Yle. However, one notable absence loomed large: Käärijä, a prominent figure in recent UMK competitions, was missing, although he was still mentioned during the live telecast.

Despite his absence, the show featured two performers dressed as Käärijä, with one of them being a lookalike from Japan, who participated in an interview with a Yle journalist—though Käärijä was not a topic of discussion during their appearance. The absence raised eyebrows and stirred conversations on social media platforms such as Jodel, where fans voiced their confusion and curiosity. Many took to the platform to question why Käärijä was not present, with speculation running rampant about whether a place had been reserved for him or not.

As discussions unfold online, it is clear that Käärijä's absence has sparked significant interest and dialogue among his fans and fellow artists. This incident has not only highlighted the community's attachment to the artist but has also illuminated the ongoing impact of social media in shaping narratives around prominent cultural events like UMK, where each participant's presence or absence can ignite widespread conversation and speculation.