The performance by the K-pop group TXT at the 2025 MAMA Awards has ignited significant backlash from fans and critics alike. What was anticipated as a highlight of the year for the group quickly turned divisive, overshadowed by controversy surrounding various aspects of the event. The MAMA Awards, held on November 28 and 29, were marred by criticism, including issues with G-Dragon’s live vocals and the contentious Daesang win for Stray Kids.
During the first night, Yeonjun took the stage solo to perform “Coma” and “Talk to You.” His individual performance received mixed reviews, but the group’s full set on the second night saw them return with “Upside Down Kiss” and “Beautiful Strangers.” Unfortunately, both performances did not resonate well with Korean netizens, who took to social media to express their disappointment.
Online discussions highlighted a pervasive sentiment that TXT’s stage presence was lacking. A particularly viral post on Pann labeled their performance as “dead last,” noting a significant gap in skill compared to their peers. The post stated, “TXT’s stage is seriously bad… With skills like that, I honestly don’t think they could ever handle choreography from groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, or RIIZE.”
Many fans echoed this critique. Some admitted that despite their loyalty to the group, they found the performance underwhelming. Comments included remarks like, “I’m a TXT fan, but at this point, their bad performances just make me laugh.” Viewers expressed confusion about Yeonjun’s capabilities, questioning his consistency as a performer.
The backlash extended beyond performance quality. Some fans criticized the ongoing comparisons between TXT and other groups, particularly in light of the successes of Stray Kids and ENHYPEN at the awards. One comment noted, “Stray Kids and ENHYPEN won Daesangs, while that person didn’t get anything and even ruined their solo stage. Please reflect. You could’ve at least performed well. Was that really so difficult?”
Additionally, the event saw further reactions regarding the overall production and execution of the performances. Fans highlighted the captivating presence of other artists, such as Felix from Stray Kids, who received praise for his charisma and stage command, contrasting sharply with TXT’s reception.
The situation has not only sparked conversations about performance quality but also raised concerns about the future trajectory of TXT within the competitive K-pop industry. The group’s management, HYBE Group, faces pressure to address this backlash and to ensure that future performances meet the expectations of their fanbase.
As the dust settles from the 2025 MAMA Awards, the ongoing dialogue around TXT’s performances suggests a pivotal moment for the group. Their ability to rebound from this criticism will likely play a significant role in defining their future success in the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop.
