Recently, ILLIT, HYBE’s youngest girl group, clinched their maiden music trophy with “Magnetic” and performed an encore on The Show stage. However, the live singing challenge highlighted vocal inconsistencies, particularly among the “Japanese line,” raising questions about HYBE’s vocal training methods.

Vocal Criticism and Member Comparison

Criticism was particularly directed at Moka, the most prominent member of ILLIT, for her perceived weak vocals compared to her Korean counterparts. Many fans drew comparisons between Moka and Sakura from LE SSERAFIM, further highlighting ILLIT’s vocal shortcomings.

Defence and Divided Opinion

While some fans defended Moka, attributing her trembling voice to prior emotions, public opinion remained divided. Despite explanations, the debate over ILLIT’s vocal abilities persisted, shedding light on the challenges faced by the group in achieving vocal excellence.

BLACKPINK’s Encore Legacy

BLACKPINK’s debut-era encore for “Whistle” served as a benchmark for stable performances under emotional circumstances. Despite being rookies, BLACKPINK members demonstrated remarkable stability and charisma, showcasing the results of rigorous training spanning 4-5 years.

Training Intensity and Skill Maturity

BLACKPINK’s journey underscores the importance of intensive training in developing vocal skills and stage presence. The group’s ability to maintain stability and charisma under pressure highlights the necessity for HYBE to prioritize vocal training for its trainees, ensuring skill maturity and consistency across girl groups.

Addressing Vocal Training Gaps

While ILLIT represents HYBE’s dynamic new generation of girl groups, vocal weaknesses highlight the need for enhanced training strategies. As the company continues to nurture talent, prioritizing vocal skills alongside concepts will be crucial in bridging skill gaps and ensuring the success of future endeavours.