Online Backlash Over IVE Rei’s “Stiff Dancing” Reveals The Dark Side Of K-pop World

ive-rei-criticised-for-stiff-dancing-compared-blackpink-jisoo-women-dragged

No one can deny that IVE’s Rei has pretty visuals and remarkable rapping skills. The K-pop girl group has been insanely popular since their debut. Unfortunately, intense scrutiny accompanies fame. Despite their toe-tapping music, the group members have often come under fire for absurd reasons. From looking too pretty to being critiqued about on-stage personas, the ‘Eleven’ group has faced probes about everything under the sun. Read about why Korean netizens are criticising Rei this time. Women really can’t seem to do anything right!

IVE’s Rei Called Out For Not Matching Her Members’ Dance Level

To become a K-pop idol, one must undergo intense pre-debut periods, harsh dance practices, and rigorous vocal training. Hard work does not guarantee a spot on an upcoming group. Many hopefuls give up their dreams when things do not go their way. For those who become idols, success is slow to arrive. And finally, if they make it, discerning gazes become part of life.

IVE’s Rei recently faced netizens’ ire for being too awkward while dancing. Compared to the other girls, many said she seemed less energetic and fluid. A post about the same on a South Korean internet forum became viral. Gaeul and Ahn Yujin, known for their stage presence, were placed next to Rei. This enhanced the difference, according to people on Nate Pann. Some users drew parallels to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who they consider another “stiff” dancer. Additionally, other netizens attempted to defend Rei by saying she wasn’t “comparable to Jisoo.” Excuse me, what?

Debate About IVE’s Rei And “Stiff Dancing” Drags On

Why do people always insist on pulling down a woman to make another look good? This whole incident is not just about their dancing skills. Random internet users commenting on how a trained K-pop idol’s performance falls short is quite bizarre. A popular fourth-generation idol who is actively promoting knows her strengths. Commenting about another singer, a senior one at that, is insulting to both.

Secondly, not all members in a group have the same skills. Being an all-rounder is well and good, but there’s a reason positions exist in K-pop. We’ve all laughed at our favourite rappers attempting to sing high notes. The point is, unless they stick out like a sore thumb on stage, diversity in bop styles should not only be accepted but also celebrated. Dancing is more than just about precision, but its importance cannot be diminished. When one performs as a group, it is important to match the steps, and Rei does that perfectly.

Also Read: TXT’s Soobin And Taehyun Reveal They Got Hit For Dance Mistakes As Trainee. Fans Are Heartbroken!

Becoming a K-pop idol opens up a Pandora’s box of careful observation. IVE’s Rei is not the first idol to receive netizens’ appraisal, and she won’t be the last. The truth? Despite all the progress we’ve made, everyone believes they’re experts on topics related to celebrity women. We hope this changes soon.

Also Read: Netizens Slam IVE Wonyoung’s Obsession With Overlined Lips. Can We Just Let Her Be?

Sasha Shinde: Sasha is a Content Writer with experience covering K-pop, K-dramas, and more. She enjoys analysing and decoding music videos, movies, and series for work. Outside work, she can be found sampling Asian food, attempting to tackle her exhaustive reading list, or scrolling on Instagram till she blends with the couch.