tripleS celebrated their first music show win on “The Show” with their song “Girls Never Die” on May 14, 2024. Despite the emotional acceptance speech and overwhelming reactions from the members, their encore stage garnered negative reactions from Korean netizens.
A post on TheQoo shared a tweet featuring the encore stage, where all 24 members performed together. Critics focused on the group’s live vocal abilities, suggesting that with such a large number of members, there should be at least one proficient singer.
The performance was likened to a high school retreat due to the group’s synchronized singing of the chorus and short individual parts.
Critics argued that tripleS should be considered performers rather than idols, as idols are expected to excel in singing.
They perceived tripleS’s concept as relying more on the number of members and visuals rather than talent. One member, Chaeyeon, received particular backlash for emitting an ear-piercing scream during the performance, which disrupted the otherwise sweet tone.
While netizens acknowledged her excitement, they questioned the necessity of the scream. The controversy highlights the discrepancy between tripleS’s visual appeal and their vocal performance. While fans celebrated their win, critics questioned the group’s suitability as idols based on their vocal proficiency.
The discussion extends to broader debates within the K-pop industry about the expectations placed on idol groups and the emphasis on visuals versus talent.
As tripleS faces its newfound success, it faces challenges in balancing its image as a performer with the expectations of its audience regarding vocal quality.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of the K-pop industry, where success is measured not only by achievements but also by the perception of talent and authenticity among fans and critics alike.
