The British boy group dearALICE, launched by SM Entertainment and MOON&BACK as part of a reality show project, made their music show debut on January 16, 2025, performing their track “Ariana” on M! Countdown.
Although this is a major milestone for the group, reactions from the public have been divided. Many netizens praised the group’s growth since their initial introduction, noting improvements in their performance.
On the other hand, some criticized the performance, with a few accusing those who disliked the song of “fetishization.”
These critics suggested that if a K-Pop group had released a similar track, it would have been more positively received.
However, there were also those who felt the song and choreography were subpar, especially given the high expectations for a group under SM Entertainment.
These reactions sparked debates on social media, where some people defended the group by pointing out that not all criticism is rooted in racial or cultural bias.
As the group prepares for their official debut in February 2025, their initial appearance has sparked both excitement and controversy within the K-Pop community.
