Kpop Review

LE SSERAFIM Live Vocals During Weverse Concert Sparks Divided Responses

LE SSERAFIM reportedly sang live during the 2024 Weverse Concert, but why are they drawing mixed reactions?

Last weekend, the Weverse Con Festival 2024, a concert organized by HYBE, officially took place. This year’s festival featured performances from several prominent HYBE groups such as SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, TXT, ILLIT, and ENHYPEN, along with a special appearance by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin Young.

Notably absent from this important annual concert was HYBE’s hottest girl group, NewJeans. Despite their absence, other HYBE stars delivered standout performances, with LE SSERAFIM’s stage garnering particular attention from the public.

Following a disastrous performance at Coachella, which was harshly criticized by Koreans and earned the girl group the title “national shame,” LE SSERAFIM became a target of public scrutiny.

Once among the most beloved girl groups of the fourth generation, LE SSERAFIM suddenly found themselves labeled as the “most hated girl group in K-pop.” Criticism sparked not only from their unstable live vocals but also from accusations of a disrespectful attitude and inability to address their weaknesses. Because of this, every performance by the group is closely examined, and Weverse Con was no exception.

At the concert, LE SSERAFIM sang live with much confidence. Using handheld microphones, the five members performed a series of their hits, including “UNFORGIVEN,” “ANTIFRAGILE,” “Perfect Night,” and “SMART.”

Known for their complex and intense choreography, the group toned down their dance routines to focus more on their vocals. This change is seen as a way to address the criticisms against their live vocals, resulting in a more stable performance compared to their previous Coachella stage.

Korean media extensively covered LE SSERAFIM’s performance at Weverse Con 2024. One headline, “LE SSERAFIM confidently sings live after ‘controversy’… dances gently,” sparked intense debate on online community forums.

Despite acknowledging the group’s efforts, many still criticized the use of backtracks and AR, arguing that they heavily relied on these to hide their imperfection. As a result, the public remains skeptical about LE SSERAFIM’s live singing abilities, viewing the reduced choreography as a temporary fix rather than a genuine improvement in their vocal skills.

Comments from K-netz included:

  • “I have a feeling this group wouldn’t have fallen to this level if Hong Eunchae had given a proper apology.”
  •  “Oh, the article was written by the female reporter at Min Hee Jin’s second press conference, right? This reeks of defending HYBE.”
  •  “So now just holding a hand mic means you’re a singer?”
  •  “That’s because their dances are too intense. Yunjin and Chaewon have always proven in the past that they are capable of singing live.”
  •  “Listen to the AR reveal…”
  •  “So you’re trying to tell me that these idols choose to give up their voice to focus on dancing!”
  •  “They all need to take vocal lessons.”
  •  “Nowadays there are too many idols who call themselves singers while letting AR do all the work.”
  •  “As if their singing skills can improve overnight.”

Overall, while LE SSERAFIM’s performance at Weverse Con showed some improvement, the public remains critical. Many want to see more substantial progress in their live singing abilities.

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