TripleS Sub-Unit Sparks Controversy: Fans Vote, But Does Talent Matter

On June 13, the rookie girl group tripleS made a bold decision to form a new sub-unit called Visionary Vision, causing a mix of excitement and controversy among the K-Pop community.

This particular division, with a focus on showcasing advanced dance moves and a youthful aesthetic, will showcase a distinct group of performers selected by fans – a choice that has sparked curiosity because of its potential consequences.

Grand Gravity: Visionary Vision Schedule #tripleS #TripleS #VisionaryVision pic.twitter.com/IdFoGRifZx

— tripleS official (@triplescosmos) June 13, 2024

tripleS, renowned for their innovative methods of engaging fans, implemented a voting system where fans can acquire tokens, referred to as “COMO,”by buying NFT photocards known as “Objekts.”

Subsequently, these tokens are utilized to vote for their preferred members, ultimately determining who will be chosen for prominent endeavors such as sub-units.

Despite its innovative nature, this method has faced criticism for potentially reducing the creative process to a popularity contest and overshadowing merit-based selection.

The dispute escalated with the announcement of the official members for Visionary Vision on June 18.

Among the 12 chosen individuals, Yubin and Lynn were pre-selected while the remaining ten were determined by fan votes.

tripleSGrand GravityVisionary VisionFinal Lineup #tripleS #트리플에스 #TripleS #VisionaryVision pic.twitter.com/GSb6e1HZwo

— tripleS official (@triplescosmos) June 18, 2024

Despite not being part of the designated dance line, Yooyeon was chosen as one of the members due to her personal outreach to fans expressing her desire to be in the sub-unit.

The source can be found at https://theqoo.net/hot/3283400191?page=4.

The addition of Yooyeon has prompted conversations regarding the fairness of tripleS’s voting procedures.

There is a belief among some that the outcome may have been influenced more by personal appeals and popularity rather than the individual’s talent and compatibility with the concept.

Source

Some critics argue that implementing such a system may lead to feelings of resentment and competition within the group, which could ultimately have a negative impact on group dynamics and morale.

The discourse surrounding Visionary Vision raises wider anxieties about the monetization of fan participation in the K-Pop industry.

Although fan participation is essential in cultivating a dedicated fan following and increasing album sales, some critics believe that the use of NFTs to monetize votes may place a higher value on financial gain rather than maintaining artistic integrity.

Despite facing criticism, proponents of the voting system defend it by highlighting that it gives fans the power to democratize decision-making and directly impact the group’s activities.

Despite this, critics argue that these systems may unfairly favor members with a larger fan base, potentially weakening the group’s sense of unity and creative coherence.