IVE, a group widely celebrated for their live vocal performances, recently appeared on the popular YouTube series “THE FIRST TAKE,” performing their hit song “After Like.”
While the video initially garnered praise, a clip from the performance quickly went viral and sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.
Most fans admired the group’s overall vocal quality, applauding their growth and consistent skill improvement. However, some viewers pointed out the use of pitch correction, sparking debate among listeners.
The focus of criticism centered on member Gaeul, who faced backlash for her breath control, which some felt weakened her vocal delivery.
This criticism extended to observations about her having fewer lines in the song compared to other members.
Despite IVE’s reputation for strong live vocals, this viral moment highlighted that not all fans were unanimously impressed, revealing the intense scrutiny idols face even in highly praised performances.
The episode underscores the challenges K-pop idols encounter when performing live under public and fan expectations, where every nuance is analyzed and debated.
