LE SSERAFIM Addresses 'Skill Controversy' with Performance at 2024 Weverse Con
According to Korean media, the group LE SSERAFIM has taken to the stage to address the 'skill controversy' that has surrounded them.
On the afternoon of the 15th, the '2024 Weverse Con' was held at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon.
In the latter part of the performance, LE SSERAFIM took to the stage and performed songs including 'EASY', 'Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife', 'UNFORGIVEN', 'Perfect Night', 'No Celestial', and 'Smart'.
In April, LE SSERAFIM made a record by performing at Coachella, the largest music festival in the United States, marking the shortest time for a K-pop artist to hold a solo performance. Despite showcasing their unique identity and a parade of hit songs in a 40-minute set featuring ten songs, they were left with the ignominy of 'skill controversy'.
At that time, various issues such as unstable pitch, voice cracks, awkward stage manners, and sound problems due to powerful performances and heavy breathing overwhelmed by band sounds arose consecutively.
Especially for domestic fans who could only watch through video without the live atmosphere, the issues were glaringly apparent, leading to a rapidly growing negative public opinion.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sakura's self-praising statement, "It might seem immature to some, but no one is perfect, and it was undoubtedly the best stage we’ve shown," further intensified the controversy.
Since then, public reaction towards LE SSERAFIM has been cold. Particularly since they had previously been known for their prowess in dance and vocals, the 'skill controversy' felt like a betrayal.
Aware of this, LE SSERAFIM seemed to incorporate the negative feedback from their Coachella performance into their recent set. All five members held handheld microphones, indicating their intention to deliver a live performance.
While it wasn't a completely raw live performance, the suitable use of AR (recorded voices) provided a more pleasant and stable listening experience.
Kim Chaewon, who has consistently received praise for her vocal ability, successfully showcased her talent, and Huh Yunjin, previously criticized for excessive reactions and crowd engagement, focused on singing, delivering a more natural performance.
Sakura, Kazuha, and other members who had been perceived as lacking in vocal ability also showed noticeable improvement since their Coachella performance, ensuring the live stage did not come off as disastrous.
Most notably, reducing the intensity of the dance routines proved to be a strategic move. While powerful performances are part of LE SSERAFIM's identity, it is unacceptable if they compromise the overall quality of the performance.
LE SSERAFIM demonstrated flexible control by keeping the dance moves minimal while singing, minimizing unnecessary ad-libs and reactions to create a more stable stage.
It is anticipated that one performance alone may not completely erase the past controversy or entirely reverse the negative public opinion. However, by building a stable vocal image centered around strong vocalists like Kim Chaewon and Huh Yunjin, and combining it with their greatest strength, performance, it is believed that they can soon regain their reputation.
Photos: Exports News DB, HYBE, YouTube video screenshots