K-pop powerhouse TWICE’s performance at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 in New York sparked mixed reactions from K-pop fans and netizens on social media.
Members Nayeon, Momo, Jihyo and Tzuyu, wearing their Victoria’s Secret PINK best, opened their set with “This Is For,” the title track from their fourth full-length album of the same name, released in July, Billboard reported.
The song was fitting for the event that celebrates women’s empowerment, with lyrics such as ‘This is for all my ladies who don’t get hyped enough’ and ‘I wanna go where the baddest girls are from.’
In the middle of the song, models took the runway as TWICE seamlessly transitioned into their hit single “Strategy,” which was featured in the hit Netflix film “Kpop Demon Hunters.”
The quartet were praised for singing live, delivering dynamic choreography and strong stage presence, though several others criticised their vocals.
Tzuyu draws backlash over live vocals
Some viewers, especially those less familiar with K-pop, sharply criticised the quartet’s live vocals, claiming that they were distracted by the models.
Tzuyu, the youngest member, drew the most criticism, with netizens pointing out her weak vocals and lacklustre stage presence.
Some social media users said that the group should not bring her just for “looks.”
“Tzuyu has always had a weak stage presence, so even though she fits VS visually, I think it wasn’t a good choice to include her when there are only four members performing,” one Reddit user commented.
Fans immediately defended the group and Tzuyu, saying that netizens should not be too harsh as it is challenging to perform a song originally sung by nine people.
“They’ve had better performances and stages before, but to be honest, four people singing for nine is actually hard. Plus the environment is unfamiliar too,” another Reddit user added.
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Tzuyu apologises as members come to her defence
The 26-year-old Taiwanese singer later apologised on the fan platform Bubble and revealed that she had caught a cold before the show and performed with “phlegm stuck” in her throat.
“Once (TWICE’s fandom), I’m sorry. Before coming to New York, I warmed up my voice well with my vocal teacher, but after arriving in New York, my throat started getting worse,” she said.
“During rehearsals, my voice still came out but during the main performance, it got really bad.
“There was even a phlegm stuck in my throat, so I couldn’t make any sound,” she said, adding that she would give a much better performance next time.
Meanwhile, members Nayeon and Jihyo defended Tzuyu, saying that she had practised really hard and chose to perform live despite not feeling well.
“Tzuyu suddenly caught a really bad cold. I’m upset too but imagine how upset Tzuyu must feel,” Jihyo wrote on Bubble.
Only four members perform
The backlash came on the heels of fans’ surprise that only four members performed at the fashion show, contrasting earlier expectations that all members would appear.
Several fans criticised JYP Entertainment for not announcing earlier that only four members would perform, while others expressed disappointment that their favourite members were not included.
“TWICE team need to do better cause they should have established this when the announcement came out,” an X user said.
On the other hand, some fans said the four members still represent TWICE, adding that becoming the first K-pop group to perform at the fashion show was a huge achievement.
TWICE’s outfits sell out on Victoria’s Secret website
Despite the mixed reactions, TWICE proved their global influence as their outfits for the fashion event sold out on Victoria’s Secret’s website.
The most popular among the outfits was the purple and pink Wear Everywhere Push-Up Bra in Heather Burgundy worn by Tzuyu, which many dubbed the “Tzuyu bra,” Preview reported.
Shoppers immediately flocked online searching for the exact bra she wore, leading to the lingerie selling out in different regions within days and becoming one of the most searched items online.
This comes as the group, which also includes members Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Dahyun and Chaeyoung, continues to reach new heights while celebrating their 10th anniversary – a milestone for any K-pop act.
The girl group is currently enjoying chart success with their “This Is For” album continuing to perform on Billboard and as they sell out shows on their world tour.
Despite these achievements, the members promised that there is still much more to come as they celebrate more years together.
Formed under JYP Entertainment through the survival show Sixteen in 2015, TWICE has become one of the most influential and beloved K-pop groups globally.
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