Controversy Sparks After HI-BOYZ’s Reunion Performance on M Countdown
On May 22, legendary K-Pop group HI-BOYZ made a surprising return to the stage during an episode of M Countdown, performing their track “When The Day Comes” after a lengthy 12-year hiatus. While many fans were excited to see the group back together, the performance stirred up a wave of discussion online, particularly regarding the group’s authenticity during the showcase.
The stage was set for a memorable reunion, with social media buzzing as fans and netizens tuned in to watch. However, excitement quickly turned to skepticism as viewers noticed something off about the performance. Observers began questioning whether the performance was actually live. Many noted that each member seemed to have an unusual number of voices, prompting speculation that lip-syncing was at play.
As the event unfolded, netizens took to Twitter, expressing their disappointment. One user wrote, “Reunion after 12 years, just to lip sync,” highlighting the palpable frustration from some fans. Another chimed in, “waiting for hi boyz MR removed,” signaling a desire for a raw vocal version of the performance to judge the members’ true abilities.
While the criticisms rolled in, fans of HI-BOYZ came to the group’s defense, celebrating their talents regardless of the controversy surrounding their performance. One supporter tweeted, “Hi-Boyz so talented!! 3 voices per member like that’s amazing!!” demonstrating that for many, the members’ skills remained undeniable.
However, fun fact: HI-BOYZ is a fictional group from the K-Drama Resident Playbook, where the narrative follows Doctor Jae Il, a former idol turned physician. The performance in question was, in reality, an original soundtrack sung by members of the popular group TXT, including Soobin and Yeonjun, who portray HI-BOYZ members in the show.
Comments from the online community lightheartedly pointed out that the members of TXT appeared to be unaccustomed to lip-syncing. One fan remarked, “It’s amazing, cause when you watch them actually lipsynch for once, it’s so painfully obvious that they never lipsynched on stage for real.”
Despite the mixed reactions and speculations, the illusion of nostalgia created by HI-BOYZ’s performance ignited discussions around the integration of idol culture with fictional narratives—a testament to the ever-evolving world of K-Pop.
For those interested, you can watch the full performance below, along with a glimpse of their humorous take on K-Pop dynamics.
