The afternoon of April 2 witnessed a milestone for HYBE’s latest girl group, ILLIT, as they clinched their first music show trophy for their debut track “Magnetic.” However, the celebratory moment took a sombre turn during their encore performance on “The Show,” triggering a wave of criticism from viewers.
HYBE’s girl groups have come under intense scrutiny in recent times, particularly regarding their live singing abilities. The controversy escalated following a notably shaky encore by LE SSERAFIM, leading to heightened scrutiny of subsequent groups like ILLIT.
Despite the commendable songwriting and conceptual efforts, all three of HYBE’s active girl groups—LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and ILLIT—have faced criticism for their vocal performances. While LE SSERAFIM endured backlash for stagnant improvement in singing, NewJeans drew ire for alleged lip-syncing at an award ceremony. ILLIT found themselves embroiled in similar vocal controversies.
ILLIT’s first encore performance sparked polarizing debates among viewers. While some praised the group for their rendition of “Magnetic,” others pointed out vocal deficiencies, particularly among the Japanese members. Moka, in particular, received significant backlash for her perceived inability to deliver a stable performance, drawing comparisons to her counterpart Sakura from LE SSERAFIM.
Fans defended Moka, attributing her shaky performance to pre-encore emotions. However, scepticism remains high, especially given the prevailing criticisms of HYBE’s vocal training practices. The emphasis on vocal abilities, or lack thereof, within HYBE’s training regimen, has sparked discussions among netizens, with many urging the agency to prioritize vocal development alongside other aspects of performance.
The ongoing discourse surrounding ILLIT’s encore underscores broader concerns regarding HYBE’s approach to talent development. While the company excels in setting music trends, choreography, and conceptualization, critics argue that insufficient attention to vocal training could tarnish the reputation of its artists in the long run.
Netizens have voiced a spectrum of opinions, from disappointment in perceived vocal deficiencies to calls for heightened vocal training standards within HYBE. As the debate rages on, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on HYBE’s girl groups, signalling the need for a comprehensive reassessment of training methodologies to ensure sustained success in the industry.