aespa’s Award Show Performance Triggers Scathing Reactions Amid Lipsync Controversy
After wrapping up a two-week promotional tour in the United States, aespa made their way to Macau for the 2025 The Fact Music Awards (TMA).
The group, fresh off a previous controversial performance, was expected to redeem themselves with a strong showing on the award show stage.
aespa left Macau with three awards: Muse of the Year, Artist of the Year, and the Special Jury Award. But fans and netizens were more interested in their performance.
#aespa Whiplash at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/JQiy6YYQME
— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025
During their U.S. promotions, aespa faced backlash for their Good Morning America performance of “Rich Man,” with fans and netizens criticizing their dancing and apparent lip-syncing.
aespa’s Infamous “GMA” Performance Triggers Heated Debate Among K-Netizens
Expectations were high for the girl group’s TMA stage, where they performed a three-song set featuring “Whiplash,” “Dirty Work,” and “Rich Man.”
#aespa Dirty Work at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/VYxpUhRToE
— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025
#aespa Rich Man at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/d6gyJKfB6P
— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025
While some viewers initially praised their live singing, many netizens quickly pointed out issues with the performance. Observers claimed that only “Whiplash” sounded genuinely live, while dancing remained off-sync and the AR track overpowered their vocals.
- “The AR sound is insanely loud.”
- “As always, people are just mumbling in the comments.”
- “I can only hear any sense of live singing in ‘Whiplash’ though?”
- “I guess aespa really is doing well. Aespa fighting.”
- “I think it’s kind of fascinating that fans baby them and praise them even when they’re only doing the bare minimum live… I guess that in itself is a kind of talent too. But I don’t know if that will ultimately help or hurt those members.”
- “None of their dance moves are in sync, and it doesn’t even sound live.”
