The Issue with Kpop: Lack of Talent Among Female Idols and Controversies Surrounding Male Stars

Untalented Female Celebrities

Throughout the past three decades of Kpop evolution, expertise has consistently remained the top priority in idol training. South Korea has taken the lead in constructing an entertainment sector where idols and celebrities are viewed as versatile role models. A musical group must consist of individuals who excel in singing, dancing, rapping, and exude attractive visuals and charisma. These criteria must meet the most rigorous standards. However, as Kpop continues to expand, the number of gifted idols is dwindling, becoming increasingly scarce.

Since the start of 2024, female idols have been embroiled in numerous controversies for their lack of talent and subpar live performances. This lack of proficiency is a direct consequence of music companies hastily producing groups without prioritizing the development of their skills. Among these entertainment empires, HYBE has received the most backlash. Although their new groups have achieved great success, they are lacking in one crucial aspect – talent. This is evident in the criticism directed towards HYBE’s top three female groups, namely NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT, for their inadequate singing abilities.

The Disaster of LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella Stage with Antifragile

First and foremost, it is important to address the infamous “live singing disaster”involving the group LE SSERAFIM. This controversy sparked from their shaky encore performances and strained vocals during the month of February in 2024. Despite being a five-member group, none possess strong vocal abilities, and their live skills have notably declined since their debut two years prior. Despite these shortcomings, HYBE hastily arranged for LE SSERAFIM to perform at the prestigious Coachella music festival. Unfortunately, their two weeks of subpar performances only garnered global criticism, with some Koreans even labeling them as a “national disgrace”for representing Source Music.

ILLIT Faces Similar Criticisms

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding LE SSERAFIM, criticism continued to arise for rookie group ILLIT due to their weak live singing. The public accused HYBE of creating “instant noodles”idols solely based on looks, rather than talent. This seems to be a common trait among the new generation of female idols under HYBE, as they all possess captivating and youthful visuals, but lack significant skills. This is particularly noticeable during live performances, with the “Japan line”consisting of Sakura and Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM) and Moka (ILLIT) consistently struggling and singing off-key and out of breath.

NewJeans: Stable but Not Outstanding

Despite being the most stable female group under HYBE, NewJeans does not possess particularly outstanding live skills compared to other groups in the industry. While their performance abilities are considered stable, the five girls often reveal their weaknesses when showcasing their skills. The group is praised for their stage presence and fitting concepts, but they have faced criticism for their frequent use of pre-recorded vocals.

The internal conflict that arose within HYBE in late April brought to light the darker side of the Kpop industry, including the prevalence of untalented idols and companies plagiarizing concepts. The most notable instance was the “sibling rivalry”between NewJeans and ILLIT, with Min Hee Jin directly accusing HYBE of copying her efforts.

Despite being accused of copying the Y2K style from the Mexican girl group Jeans, who had been active for ten years, NewJeans was still recognized as a product of recycled fashion. However, the artists involved were caught in the crossfire and faced backlash from netizens, as they were seen as pawns in the power struggle within the industry.

Talented but Less Popular Groups Like BABYMONSTER and NMIXX

Despite the changing landscape of Kpop, there are still highly talented representatives in the new generation who are adored by the public. Notably, BABYMONSTER from YG and JYP’s NMIXX are among them. However, despite their talent, these idols face difficulties in achieving fame due to the restrictions placed on them by their respective companies.

Despite being trained by major companies, BABYMONSTER and NMIXX do not measure up to their seniors like BLACKPINK or TWICE. As music trends evolve, these companies find it challenging to produce works that are able to capture the attention of the public, despite having talented idols.

Male Stars and Their Continuous Scandals

Despite facing criticism for their skills, female idols are not immune to scandals. The most prominent recent case involves the Burning Sun scandal, which exposed the private sex chat room and illegal nightclub activities of male idols like Seungri and other second-generation Kpop stars. This scandal shocked the public and revealed the hypocrisy of these so-called stars.

Despite smiling and interacting with fans on a daily basis, these idols were revealed to be sex offenders who disrespected women and had questionable morals. Despite the legal punishment dealt to the culprits and the incident occurring five years ago, the Burning Sun scandal continues to be the most shameful blemish on the world of Kpop.

Recent controversies surrounding NCT members Johnny and Haechan

In addition to the Burning Sun incident, there have been other recent controversies in the world of Kpop that have left fans feeling uneasy. Most recently, accusations were made against NCT members Johnny and Haechan for allegedly spending the night with three women in Japan, including two fans. However, SM Entertainment quickly refuted these claims and announced plans to take legal action. Despite the clarification, the incident has had a significant impact on the two NCT members.

Despite a promising debut with products that resonated with the public, SM Entertainment has faced a string of personal scandals involving their idols. The company’s newest addition, RIIZE, has not been immune to this trend. Despite their initial success, RIIZE has earned the label of “controversial rookie”due to multiple members being involved in character scandals. In a span of just two months after their debut, Seunghan was suspended from activities due to leaked sensitive photos, smoking, and attitude problems. Additionally, rumors surfaced in April about member Anton dating a girlfriend in the US. At the same time, five out of six members were embroiled in romantic scandals with controversial hot girl Han Seo Hee. Despite swift denials from all

The Return of Scandal-Ridden Lucas

Additionally, despite being involved in shocking scandals, SM continues to support and promote idols. Among these idols is Lucas Wong Yuk Hei, who was embroiled in a romantic scandal three years ago. Despite the controversy, Lucas is now preparing for a highly anticipated solo debut, with careful planning and attention from the company. His past actions, including accusations of badmouthing colleagues and having romantic relationships with fans, have caused backlash from NCT fans who have called for his removal from the group. However, SM has chosen to stand by Lucas and has even provided him with new career opportunities.

Considering the present state of affairs, there is a growing disillusionment among the public due to male idols’ constant involvement in scandals, which overshadow their musical endeavors. If a ranking was to be made of male idols with the most scandals, it is highly likely that Kpop would have several contenders for the top spot. These unfavorable occurrences paint a negative image of the Kpop industry.

Recent Legal Troubles for Singer Kim Ho Joong

Despite facing personal scandals, a 90s singer has also received significant public backlash for causing a hit-and-run accident. Kim Ho Joong, a trot singer born in 1991, is currently facing potential imprisonment for the incident, as well as accusations of destroying crucial evidence. Furthermore, netizens have uncovered Kim Ho Joong’s history of violence, including instances of being a school bully. These transgressions, along with multiple personal scandals, have sparked outrage among the Korean audience, who are calling for strict legal action and a boycott of the controversial singer’s career.

Despite any negative aspects, Kpop maintains its daily pursuit of creating high-quality products, expanding its global presence, and nurturing gifted idols. However, it is important for audiences to remain vigilant and avoid supporting problematic idols.