IVE Jang Wonyoung, Leeseo Controversy Sparks Debate: Should Lip-Syncing Be Banned?
Following IVE Jang Wonyoung & Leeseo's seated lip-syncing controversy, it became a hot topic among Koreans whether it is time for this to be legally banned.
IVE Jang Wonyoung & Leeseo Spark Debate After Lip-Syncing
On December 31, IVE Wonyoung and Leeseo attended the 2022 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, where they showcased a refreshing cover of IU's "Strawberry Moon."
However, criticisms poured in following the duo's performance, after they were accused of lip-syncing.
While it is nothing new for idols to use backtrack or AR live especially in big events, idols opt to use this mostly when they have to move a lot or conduct complex choreographies.
The reason Jang Wonyoung and Leeseo are being criticized is, as they were required to sit down while performing the song, they lip-synced.
What's worse is that they allegedly used the same audio file of their initial cover of the song, uploaded it on their IVE's YouTube channel, and didn't even re-recorded it.
When a discussion arose, DIVEs (IVE fandom) defended the idols, emphasizing that it shouldn't be a big deal. They implied that people should divert their attention to something significant instead.
They added that they could have been doing lip-sync due to health issues.
"Recently many idols lip sync on stage to maintain their singing condition. Idols should be evaluated not just on their singing ability but their concept, stage performance, and fandom affinity."
IVE Jang Wonyoung
Nevertheless, people still called out the performance.
"As an idol how is this ok? If you're just going to show off your appearance, isn't it right to be a model than an idol?"
"IVE's move regarding Jang Wonyoung's lip-syncing is so disappointing. The fact that Korean idols are close to artists unlike Japan will also be dismissed as nonsense."
"Since a few years ago, some idol fans have affected public opinion that our (K-pop) idols are top-notch in singing and dancing and have excellent skills after being trainees for a long time. This lip sync scandal is backfiring on that now. I would feel ashamed if I was found out to be doing that."
Should Lip-Syncing Be Legally Banned in South Korea? Proposed Bill Draws Attention
Jang Wonyoung
As the discussion ignited, people suggested legally banning lip-syncing among K-pop idols in Korea, just like in China.
Amid the controversy, the proposed bill of legally banning lip-syncing in May 2011 resurfaced. At the time, Lee Myung Soo, a Liberty Forward Party member stated that the audience went to a concert hall in anticipation of a live performance.
Under this bill, lip-syncing can be considered a "fraudulent act of scam." However, this was not passed due to the "excessive legal punishment" affiliated with it.
Singer Bae Chul Soo also expressed strong criticism of those doing lip-syncing in 2015.
"Don't call yourself a singer. (People who do this) are "lip syncers" not singers."
READ MORE: IVE Wonyoung & Leeseo Draw Flak For 'Lip-Syncing' At 2022 MBC Gayo Daejejeon
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
