LE SSERAFIM Sparks Controversy at MTV EMAs with Lip-Syncing: Fans Ask, “Why Don’t They Improve Their Performance Skills?”

The 2024 MTV EMAs: Highlights and Controversy Surrounding LE SSERAFIM

The 2024 MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) recently captivated music enthusiasts across the continent. Known for its prominence in the music industry, the EMAs serve as a critical platform for artists to receive recognition and showcase their talents. This year, the spotlight fell largely on the K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, marking their first performance at this significant awards event. Although this opportunity allowed the group to enhance their worldwide visibility, reactions to their performance were mixed and somewhat disappointing.

A High-Energy Performance

LE SSERAFIM took to the stage with a dazzling presentation of their tracks “Lightning Chasing”and “Crazy.”The performance was an exquisite display, boasting a large ensemble of dancers and intricate choreography all set against a dynamic, 360-degree stage layout. Such an ambitious production aimed to underscore the group’s performance skills and artistic flair.

Choreography and Execution

Throughout their set, LE SSERAFIM showcased newly crafted choreography that elevated the performance’s complexity. Notably, member Kazuha drew considerable attention with her skilled ballet-inspired moves. However, despite the visual spectacle and intricate dance sequences, the group’s reliance on lip-syncing raised eyebrows. Critics pointed out that their intense focus on choreography may have compromised their live vocal performance.

LE SSERAFIM performing “Chasing Lightning”& “CRAZY”at the 2024 MTV EMAs (Europe Music Awards) #LE_SSERAFIMatMTVEMAs #LE_SSERAFIM #르세라핌 #MTVEMAs pic.twitter.com/vtLJahHcRG

— joe (@elsserafim) November 10, 2024

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Following their performance, fans quickly took to social media to express disappointment and concern over the apparent lip-syncing, noting that over 90% of their vocals seemed to rely on playback. The excessively polished audio and exaggerated expressions led to speculation regarding the authenticity of their live performance. While “Crazy”is not particularly vocally challenging, the frequent use of backing tracks at such a prestigious event garnered significant backlash.

The Lip-Syncing Debate

This situation echoes prior criticism faced by other K-pop artists. Most notably, BLACKPINK’s Lisa has been labeled as the “Queen of Lip-Sync”due to her heavy reliance on playback at various international events, including the 2024 VMAs and Global Citizen Festival. Now, with LE SSERAFIM under scrutiny, many Korean netizens have expressed feelings of embarrassment. Since their performance at Coachella, the girl group has faced intense scrutiny, leading to claims that they are experiencing a “talent crisis.”Despite these challenges, an official response from LE SSERAFIM regarding these accusations has yet to materialize.

Accountability and Future Directions

The responsibility for these issues largely falls on their parent company, HYBE, and management team at Source Music. Recent leaks of internal documents revealed that HYBE implicitly acknowledged the group’s lip-syncing, indicating concerns about their live performance capabilities. Instead of prioritizing the enhancement of their artists’ skills, reports suggest that HYBE has focused on analyzing the weaknesses of competing groups, allegedly employing “dirty media tactics”to navigate public relations crises.

Despite the top-tier resources projected at LE SSERAFIM, including performances on grand stages shortly after their debut, the group’s live performance skills seem to have diminished. Critics have noted a decline in their vocal abilities when compared to their initial debut, raising frustrations over HYBE’s emphasis on image and accolades rather than genuine talent development.

As the K-pop industry evolves, it remains crucial for groups like LE SSERAFIM to address these challenges and focus on their artistic growth. Fans hope to see improvements that align with the high standards that the genre demands.

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