Singer G-Dragon (GD), caught up in a live performance controversy, has issued a statement that has sparked mixed reactions. G-Dragon performed at the ‘2025 MAMA Awards’ held at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on the 29th of last month. He delivered performances of ‘DRAMA’, ‘Heartbreaker’, and ‘Untitled, 2014’ and won four awards, including the Grand Prize.
Despite the significance of the day for G-Dragon, his performance was met with criticism. During the ‘Heartbreaker’ stage, G-Dragon relied on AR instead of singing live and did not perform the choreography well. Even the ballad ‘Untitled, 2014’ revealed unstable vocals.
Previously, G-Dragon had also relied on AR during performances at the ‘SBS Song Festival’ last year and at his solo concert in Goyang last March. This dependence on AR, where he only occasionally added ad-libs, was problematic.
Amid the controversy over live performances raised after the ‘MAMA Awards’, G-Dragon left a ‘thumbs-down’ emoji on his performance video posted on the official SNS of the awards. Some speculated that he was expressing personal disappointment with his stage performance.
On the 1st, G-Dragon’s agency explained that during the ‘Untitled, 2014’ performance, G-Dragon chose to focus on the message itself, avoiding extravagant setups or performances, and aimed to communicate sincerely with the audience. Despite a short preparation period, he intended to convey his condolences and provide comfort to the citizens of Hong Kong, maintaining an attitude of genuine sincerity that left a profound but quiet impact on the audience.
However, reactions to G-Dragon’s statement have been divided. Some have criticized, saying, “You should demonstrate skill on stage,” “It seems like an excuse,” “Other artists on the same stage performed live,” “It’s just an excuse,” and “Skill is the most important for a singer.” Conversely, others have shown understanding, stating, “As long as the sincere intent was felt, isn’t that enough?”, “If the message was central to the performance, that’s understandable,” “Conveying emotion with a short preparation period itself is significant,” and “The message should be the focus.”
Meanwhile, G-Dragon is set to hold an encore concert for his world tour ‘Weavermann’ at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul at 5 PM on the 14th.
Image source: Xportsnews, Mnet
