Under the glittering lights of the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, feathers, sequins, and stilettos weren’t the only things that turned heads, K-pop did too. Following in the footsteps of BLACKPINK’s (블랙핑크) Lisa (리사), who dazzled audiences last year, global sensation TWICE (트와이스) took centre stage to deliver a milestone performance that marked as the first K-pop girl group to ever perform at one of fashion’s most glamorous events.
But what was meant to be a triumphant moment for the nine-member girl group quickly became a topic of heated debate online. As only four members, Jihyo (지효), Nayeon (나연), Momo (모모), and Tzuyu (쯔위), took the stage to perform “This Is For” and “Strategy”, fans and critics alike tuned in with high expectations, only for the performance to spark a wave of backlash over what many described as “off-key” vocals.
Many netizens pointed fingers at Tzuyu, claiming her vocals were particularly weak during the performance. However, ONCE swiftly came to her defence, explaining that the group was performing with fewer members and that Tzuyu had been visibly unwell. Despite the criticism, fans applauded the group’s effort and stage presence, noting that performing live under such high pressure is never an easy task.
It later emerged that there was a reason behind the shaky vocals. In a heartfelt message shared on the fan communication platform Bubble, Tzuyu revealed that she had been battling illness in the days leading up to the show. “Before coming to New York, I warmed up my throat with a vocal teacher. But after arriving in New York, my throat got worse and worse. My voice was still good during rehearsal, but it got worse during the actual performance, and I couldn’t make a sound because I had phlegm in my throat,” she wrote.
The 26-year-old idol went on to apologise to fans, expressing her disappointment over not being able to deliver her best performance. “I’ll show you a better performance next time!” she promised, adding that she had tried drinking honey tea and using various remedies to soothe her throat, but her condition did not improve in time.
TWICE’s leader, Jihyo, also took to Bubble to offer words of encouragement to her fellow members and urge fans to show compassion. “Let’s quickly praise our Tzuyu! Tzuyu’s cold suddenly got really bad. I’m upset too, but I wonder how upset Tzuyu is,” Jihyo wrote. Her message was met with an outpouring of support from fans across the globe, who trended hashtags in solidarity with Tzuyu and the group.
Despite the backlash, many believe the group handled the situation with grace and professionalism. For now, fans are rallying behind Twice, reminding the public that even world-class performers are human and that sometimes, a little kindness goes a long way.
Watch TWICE’s performance here:
