BABYMONSTER’s Comeback: A Mixed Bag of Praise and Criticism
BABYMONSTER, the latest girl group under YG Entertainment, has recently released their debut full album, Drip, accompanied by a music video for its titular track. Although the group is backed by one of South Korea’s leading entertainment companies, their promotional strategies have sparked controversy, leading to what some fans term “flop setbacks.”Despite the album receiving positive feedback for its infectious, contemporary music, the absence of the seven “little monsters”from promotional shows raises questions about YG’s marketing approach.
Delayed Promotions and Performance Woes
The anticipation surrounding BABYMONSTER’s first live performance of “Drip”builds as it is scheduled for next week. In the interim, YG has shared several pre-recorded content pieces, including a dance performance video. However, despite the strength of their new song, the choreography accompanying “Drip”has left many fans wanting more. On November 6, Chinese fans took their frustrations directly to YG’s doorstep, sending a protest truck demanding better promotional efforts and an overhaul of the choreography.
Discussions About Performance Quality
Within the K-pop community, opinions about the “Drip”choreography are polarized, with conversations often centering around Ahyeon, the group’s main performer. Although Ahyeon plays a significant role in the song with several solo lines, some observers have described her live energy as lacking, with her movements appearing somewhat half-hearted compared to those of her peers. In particular, fans have noted her absence of signature power moves, diminishing her center-stage presence in comparison to other members, such as the youngest, Chiquita.
Notable Appearance at TMEA 2024
On July 20, BABYMONSTER showcased their talents at the TMEA 2024 awards in Macau, where they delivered a highly-received performance featuring a selection of their songs, including FOREVER. Despite their rookie status, the group’s stage presence and vocal talents were applauded, marking a significant achievement for the members.
Ahyeon: The Center of Attention
In the aftermath of the performance, Ahyeon became the focal point of discussions among Chinese netizens, receiving both commendations for her visuals and scrutiny for perceived shortcomings in her dancing. This marked a stark contrast to a previous performance where she faced criticism for “overdancing,”a term used to describe when her high energy overshadowed the other members.
Current Challenges and Fan Reactions
Recently, Ahyeon faced backlash after fans pointed out moments of what they deemed a lackluster performance during FOREVER. Critics highlighted instances where she appeared disinterested, breeding negative sentiment online. Some netizens drew parallels between Ahyeon and fellow YG artist Jennie, both of whom share a reputation for impressive stage presence but are often embroiled in dancing critiques.
As of now, Ahyeon’s performances seem more measured, with a newfound control over her expressions and movements. This shift has garnered her some positive commentary, with fans noting her ability to adapt based on feedback. Nevertheless, some detractors continue to propagate rumors, suggesting she has grown weary of performing.
Fan Support Amidst Criticism
Moreover, the precise moments of criticism directed at Ahyeon often stem from brief clips taken out of context. Observers note that such criticisms fail to acknowledge her overall engagement during performances. As a response to the criticisms she faces, fans are staunchly defending Ahyeon, arguing that public scrutiny reflects a double standard.
Community Opinions
In light of recent events, fan reactions have varied widely. Here are some select comments from netizens:
- “You guys discouraged a hard-working person first and are now complaining about her slacking off?”
- “Even if she’s tired from the negative comments, dancing like this is going too far. She should have been more receptive to legit criticism.”
- “After debuting, they continued to promote without resting—it’s natural to lose some energy after countless performances.”
- “After Asa’s part, Ahyeon danced less energetically to enhance the live singing quality.”
- “Is she really repeating Jennie’s path?”
- “First, you criticize her for ‘over-performing’, and now you whine about her slacking. Stop nitpicking.”
Source: Pann Nate
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