He passed the microphone to fellow artist Zico, showcasing an impromptu collaboration, yet faced criticism.
Fans continue to express concerns over his live performance abilities.
At the 2025 Melon Music Awards, G-Dragon made a stunning return with his long-awaited solo album 'Weverse Menace,' clinching seven awards. However, the performance sparked a renewed wave of live performance controversies among fans. During his rendition of 'To Bad,' he descended from the stage and impulsively passed the microphone to his junior colleague Zico, who adeptly sang along, eliciting cheers from the audience. Yet, this moment was viewed by some as an evasion of live singing, causing division in audience reactions.
G-Dragon dominated the night, securing three major awards and reaffirming his enduring fanbase and artistic achievements. Nonetheless, the mixed reviews from his previous performance at the '2025 MAMA' regarding his live singing abilities lingered, leading many to feel that while he delivered a better performance, it fell short of fully quelling the ongoing discussions about his live capabilities.
Highlighting the camaraderie between the artists was appreciated, but concerns regarding live performance quality seem likely to persist. Questions about whether the collaboration with Zico was pre-planned have also arisen, adding another layer to the conversation surrounding G-Dragon's live performances.
G-Dragon is a significant figure in the K-pop industry, and his musical evolution continues to attract attention. The recent live performance controversy reflects the extent of his efforts to recreate his past glory. Fans expect perfection in his performances, and his recent awards confirm that he still holds considerable influence.
However, the impromptu microphone exchange with Zico elicited mixed reactions among fans. While some viewed it as a fresh and innovative performance, others felt it seemed like an evasion of his live singing capabilities. This situation highlights the pressure he faces in overcoming expectations and his historical image, despite his attempts to foster interaction in a diverse manner.
As G-Dragon moves forward, there will be keen interest in his efforts to enhance live performances and create more engaging stages through direct and indirect communication with fans. Ongoing feedback could be a vital component in facilitating his growth as an artist.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: MMA2025
