Critic Receives Backlash for Criticizing BLACKPINK and Praising LE SSERAFIM, Music Critic

Despite facing intense criticism for their weak live-singing skill at their stage at the 2024 Coachella, LE SSERAFIM still managed to receive positive reviews from renowned music magazine NME. In fact, their performance has even earned praise from a respected music critic.

Kim Do-heon, a former editor-in-chief of E-Zine and music critic, as well as a member of the Korean Music Association, publicly voiced support for LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella performance.

Kim Do-heon specifically praised LE SSERAFIM’s appearance at Coachella, stating that the focus should not be on a flawless performance but rather on bringing a high-energy presence unique to the festival. He emphasized the importance of strategizing to showcase strengths and minimize any weaknesses.

Despite receiving criticism for vocal flaws during their performance, LE SSERAFIM’s members all sang at a mediocre level. Kim Do-heon merely suggested that the group should work on covering their weaknesses. However, the critic faced backlash from netizens for being overly biased and unprofessional.

Some even speculate that Kim Do-heon may have a covert relationship with HYBE.

Foreign dancers were completely conquered by BLACKPINK. — Kim Do-heon criticized BLACKPINK’s Coachella 2023 stage

The controversy grew when it was revealed that Kim Do-heon had previously made negative comments about BLACKPINK’s performance at Coachella. During that time, Do-heon had stated that the international girl group was not qualified to headline the biggest music festival in the world, criticizing their lackluster, shallow, and unengaging performance.

Kim Do-heon expressed disappointment in the lackluster and superficial stage at Coachella. He believes that BLACKPINK, while beautiful and famous, did not use the stage to showcase their true talent. Despite the group’s strong performance, they did not reach the level of headlining artists and their singing ability was subpar compared to other artists who have performed at Coachella. Do-heon also noted that the group lacked the passion and energy of their backing dancers. This missed opportunity was a loss for Kpop in the global market.

From observations, it was evident that Kim Do-heon held high standards for BLACKPINK’s performance, while being more forgiving towards LE SSERAFIM. This inconsistency in his judgement was met with criticism from Knet, with many questioning his credibility as a music critic.

The following are comments from Korean netizens:

Was the stage of LE SSERAFIM watched by him on mute?
Isn’t this the person who criticized BLACKPINK’s Coachella? The bias is real
Despite previously criticizing BLACKPINK’s singing, he now argues that LE SSERAFIM should focus on creating a more energetic appearance rather than a perfect song. This seems like a double standard.
Is he truly a music critic…?
BLACKPINK, who did way better, was faced with scathing criticism. He must have got a huge fat check from HYBE
Stop referring to yourself as a critic.

The source is K14.