[Sports Chosun Reporter Baek Ji-eun] G-Dragon of the group Big Bang has been caught in a skill controversy for the first time in 18 years since his debut.
On the 25th, G-Dragon headlined the SBS ‘2024 Music Festival’ held at the Incheon Inspire Arena. It had been an impressive 8 years since G-Dragon last appeared on a year-end music stage, and he demonstrated his undiminished talent at the ‘2024 MAMA Awards’ held at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan last month. Therefore, there was a lot of focus on his performance.
Introduced as an “irreplaceable living legend who commands the stage with his very presence,” G-Dragon excited fans by performing his new song ‘Power’ along with his hits ‘Sober’ and ‘Crooked.’
However, after the performance, opinions about G-Dragon’s live performance were divided. Most praised his enduring charisma and ability to captivate the audience, but some harshly criticized his ‘lack of live singing skills.’ G-Dragon performed using a mix of AR (audio recording) tracks and live vocals, which some found disruptive due to his occasional throat-clearing singing style and selective live parts.
Given that G-Dragon had been acknowledged for his skills even before Big Bang’s debut, such reactions were unexpected. However, the controversy had a reason. The venue’s sound system was unstable. G-Dragon was observed repeatedly adjusting his in-ear monitors right as he took the stage. Additionally, there were visible moments on screen where he mouthed “it doesn’t come out,” indicating microphone issues, which led him to cover his performance live over the AR soundtrack. As a result, the ‘Music Festival’ stage became disappointing for G-Dragon, the fans, and the broader audience eagerly awaiting his return.
Nevertheless, G-Dragon handled the situation with professional poise, soothing his fans. After the performance, he left a bouquet in the audience as a gesture of affection towards his fans, and took commemorative photos with his dancers, showcasing his ‘original idol’ charm. Furthermore, after being selected as the ‘favorite idol’ at the ‘Music Festival,’ he expressed his gratitude by saying, “I thought I was the oldest idol, but I’m the favorite idol. I guess I am still an idol. Thank you.”
Reporter Baek Ji-eun [email protected]