Fast-rising K-pop group ENHYPEN was recently at the center of a heated debate among fans. The controversy was sparked by their performance of the track “BITE ME” without female dancers, a significant departure from the original choreography. The reaction to this change has been mixed, with fans expressing different views on social media.
The song’s original choreography featured a couple dance with female performers. This was initially met with praise for its refreshing change and its nod to similar dances by second-generation K-pop artists. However, it also faced backlash, particularly from Korean fans, who disliked the inclusion of female dancers. Eventually, they made their feelings known by sending protest trucks to the group’s agency.
c. 0middl
— ⋆｡˚ iciel ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡ (@baekwoniee) July 12, 2023
The recent performance without female dancers occurred at a school event and was captured in a video that went viral on Twitter. The video, credited to user @0middl (whose account seems to have been deactivated), showed the septet dancing to the chorus alone. It sparked a heated discussion, with some fans—especially those who previously protested against the female dancers—celebrating the change.
Many Korean netizens voiced approval of the new choreography, stating it looked better without the female dancers as it focused on the members’ physiques. Some even revealed that they had become fans through the “pair dance controversy” and felt that the new choreography “works a lot better.” However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans expressed disappointment, stating that the new choreography was boring without the couple dance.
Meanwhile, the new choreography made its music show debut in ENHYPEN’s July 15 performance on Japan’s Ongaku no Hi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH-JyDgTJcE&pp=ygUZb25nYWt1IG5vIGhpIDIwMjMgZW5oeXBlbg%3D%3D
Despite the speculation and debate, BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency, has not released an official statement addressing the issue. It remains to be seen whether this solo performance of “BITE ME” was a one-off event or if the agency has indeed responded to the protests by permanently removing the female dancers from the choreography.
As the group prepares for their FATE World Tour 2023, which will take them through South Korea, Japan, and the US, starting on July 29, fans are left wondering if the new “BITE ME” choreography is a temporary adjustment for specific performances or not. Regardless, the controversy definitely added a new layer of intrigue to ENHYPEN’s growing popularity.
— K-pop News Writer
Featured Image: ENHYPEN celebrated the music show debut of their song’s new choreography with a post-performance groufie. Source: Twitter/ENHYPEN’s official Japanese Twitter account.