SBS K-pop festival pleases some fans, angers others

[JoongAng Ilbo]

All the K-pop heavyweights were present for the "SBS Korea Pop Music Festival 2011" on Dec. 29 that drew mixed responses from fans, some of whom criticized the artificial effects propping up certain singers' performances.

According to local media, some spectators at the event in Goyang, Gyeonggi, were disappointed by what they thought were computer effects added to the songs, including "Melody Recite," which reinforces the melody of song being performed. They also believed that some performers were lip-syncing, using what is sometimes known as an "All-Recorded" effect in which a singer performs to a prerecorded song.

But other fans made no secret of their enthusiasm for the performances. A particularly memorable act was when groups belonging to SM Entertainment took to the stage as part of an orchestra ensemble. The performance featured Girls' Generation, Super Junior, TVXQ, f(x) and The Grace.

The segment started off with a classical feel as Super Junior's new member Henry began with an electric violin solo. He was later joined by other members on bass, drums and the synthesizer.

Other groups, such as Brown Eyed Girls, 4Minute, 2NE1, 2PM, Kara and T-ara were also present and performed many hit songs.

An act featuring 20 girls from various groups drew negative reactions online, however, with netizens calling the act "too sexual to view with the family."

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]