(Latte is a horse “라떼는 말이야”) back in my days, voices would echo at the stadium with thundering applause. Such was the power of live singing, where the artist would pour their souls out to their fans, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.
Now, we enter a different generation, where dance, synchronicity, and visuals are the main facets of a band. Let’s decode the current lexicon of K-pop groups.
Ah, the Melon Music Awards 2023 – a spectacle of glitz, glamour, and… lip-syncing? That’s the buzz on the street, or more accurately, on the digital highways of social media.
Why is this claim causing such a ruckus? Are we witnessing a shift in the K-pop paradigm, or is it just a tempest in a teacup? Let’s dive into the melodious – and sometimes mimed – world of the Melon Music Awards.
On December 2, 2023, the Melon Music Awards witnessed several performances by new groups and a few from the previous generation. But a recent Instagram comment garnered over 200 likes, boldly declared, “Yesterday at the award show, no one sang live…”
The K-pop choreography and presentation can be quite intense for stable vocals to manage live singing. Hence, most groups focus on delivering stellar group dance performances.
The Lip-Syncing Saga: Unraveling the Truth About Why No One Sang Live At MMA’23
That’s it…. I rest my case! Mamamoo singing live is a testament to K-pop idols being trained to master all aspects of a performance.
Over the years, the K-pop industry has evolved into a competitive pit of idol groups who need a one-up performance to stand out. Due to such a highly saturated market, performances are now based on theatrics rather than live singing.
So, did anyone actually sing live at the Melon Music Awards 2023? The short answer is– YES; some artists did sing live, including KISS OF LIFE, SHINee, STAYC, Aespa, and RIIZE. But the buzz isn’t about who did; it’s about who didn’t and why it matters.
The conversation around live performances in K-pop isn’t new. Lip-syncing in music shows has always been a bit of a taboo, yet an often-accepted practice. Why? Because K-pop is not just about the voice; it’s about the performance, the visuals, the dance, the entire package. As one netizen put it,
“While idols can be great dancers, not all deserve the label ‘singers’.”
That’s a strong statement, reflecting a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike.
But let’s not paint everyone with the same brush. Take, for instance, KISS OF LIFE. Their live rendition at the awards was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their vocal prowess and ability to engage the audience. They brought the dead see at MMA back to life with a kiss.
SHINee, too, lived up to their reputation, shining bright on the stage with live vocals and equally captivating performance.
And then there’s our baddie, Lee Young Ji, who can slay any day with her live rapping and vocals.
On the flip side, the prevalence of lip-syncing raises questions about authenticity in the industry. Is the pressure to deliver flawless, choreographed performances leading artists to sideline their vocal talents?
Or is it simply a practical decision in a highly demanding industry?
Are we, as an audience, partly responsible for the lip-syncing culture, given our relentless pursuit of perfection in performances? And what does this mean for the future of live singing in K-pop? Will the voice eventually take a backseat to visual spectacle?
Are live vocals integral to your enjoyment of K-pop, or is it all about the overall experience?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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