From concert pricing to song structures, certain industry practices have been quietly frustrating fans for years. A Korean netizen’s post on X calling out the biggest “evils” plaguing K-Pop today has gone viral, with many adding their own complaints to the list.
1. Super short songs
The original poster kicked off their “top 3 evils of K-Pop” by targeting “the bastard who started making songs only 2 minutes long.”
케이팝의 악 탑3
노래 2분으로 줄이기 시작한 새끼
노래에 브릿지 빼버린 새끼
앙콘 투어 돈 새끼
죽이고싶음….— 미즈 (@nyang_yang_) June 21, 2025
With many recent releases clocking in at barely over two minutes, it’s no surprise many fans feel cheated out of the full musical experience they once enjoyed.
2. Missing bridges
The same netizen followed up by hitting out at “the bastard who took out the bridge from songs.” While bridges are still common, some recent hits have skipped them altogether, leaving many fans complaining about songs that feel incomplete and rushed. Many netizens in the quotes noted acts like Red Velvet and LOONA as prime examples of groups who always have great bridges.
옛날에레드벨벳이란그룹이잇엇은
그냥노래가정말아름다웟슨
그리고브릿지도예술이엇슨 https://t.co/rgIkTEKTWR pic.twitter.com/3dUhSYTFBR— 링고 (@_imyour_apple) June 23, 2025
There was once a group called Red Velvet
And their songs were just truly beautiful
And the bridges were works of art too
@_imyour_apple on X
3. Encore tours
Rounding out their top three complaints, the fan expressed wanting to “kill” the “bastard who made money off encore tours.” To some, these additional concert dates, often announced after initial shows sell out, can sometimes feel like a cash grab. Despite this, encore concerts remain popular, with aespa’s SYNK: PARALLEL LINE encore shows drawing in almost 20,000 attendees this year.
4. Video call fansigns
More frustrated fans quickly chimed in, with one complaining about “video call fansigns,” adding, “These started because of COVID, so why are they still doing them?”
+ 음방 2주만
++ 영통팬싸 (https://t.co/Ywgul9OgSf— 애플 (@a99lenag1) June 22, 2025
Many Korean fans feel the virtual format lacks the personal connection of in-person meetings while still carrying hefty price tags. On the flip side, video call fansigns have been a great way for international fans to finally chat with their idols.
5. Short promotions
The same user also criticized “only promoting on music shows for two weeks.” In the past, it was typical for K-Pop groups to perform on shows like Inkigayo and Music Bank for three or more weeks in a row. Abbreviated promotion cycles mean less content and fewer opportunities for Korean fans to see their favorite groups. TWS, for example, was recently praised by fans for promoting their comeback for four weeks.
6. Expensive concert tickets
Financial woes dominated many of the complaints, with one netizen specifically calling out “200,000 won concert tickets.”
근데 콘서트 비용 20만원이며 팬가입 상시 다 방시혁이 시작임
진심 케이팝의 황소개구리같은 새끼 https://t.co/lS7Nul46Ha— (잡담계) 데코푸딩🍰 (@decopuding_ding) June 22, 2025
Unsurprisingly, high pricing puts live performances out of reach for many — and numerous international fans face the same frustrations.
7. Fan club memberships
Modern-day fan club structures also drew criticism, with “always-open fan club memberships” making the list.
멤버십상시가입만든새끼부터나와 https://t.co/r60QY66Lrv
— 토마 (@tmbyc2m) June 22, 2025
Some feel that constant availability removes the exclusivity that once made these memberships feel special and meaningful, while others believe that companies leave sign-up windows open simply to make more money
8. Repetitive lyrics
Songwriting quality became another target, with one fan demanding artists “start writing proper lyrics. Stop repeating the same damn lines over and over like you’re crazy.”
그리고 가사다운 가사 좀 써라
정신병 걸린것마냥 똑같은 말만 존나 반복하지 말고 https://t.co/r8ErQ36Fa1— 아르미 (@a1eumimi) June 22, 2025
Of course, for many listeners, the same songwriting style feels fun and catchy, with so-called repetitive songs often topping the charts.
9. English lyrics
Another netizen cursed “the bastard who crammed songs full of English.” These days, it’s rare to find a K-Pop song written entirely in Korean.
노래에 영어 ㅈㄴ 쳐쓴 새끼
챌린지 만든 새끼
Ar 녹음 립싱크 시작한 새끼 https://t.co/zUMdmya1Bm— 밍기봉 (@minggibong) June 22, 2025
While English words can help make K-Pop lyrics more accessible to international fans, it’s no surprise that many Korean listeners aren’t fond of the trend.
10. TikTok challenges
Social media marketing tactics didn’t escape scrutiny either, as the same fan criticized “the one who came up with challenges.” While some believe that the pressure to create viral TikTok content has influenced how K-Pop songs and choreographies are created, others are enjoying this new phase of interactions between different groups.
@bts_official_bighit killin’ it, guys 🎯 #jhope_KillinItGirl #jhope #제이홉 @hobipower #ATEEZ #산 #SAN #에이티즈 @ateez_official_
♬ Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla) – j-hope & GloRilla
11. Lip-syncing
“The one who started AR recordings and lip-syncing” was also slammed, which comes as no surprise. Naturally, most fans prefer natural vocals to heavy backing tracks. However, given idols’ busy schedules, AR tracks have become an increasingly common way to maintain stamina and good health. aespa, BABYMONSTER, and NMIXX are among the groups netizens have praised for impeccable live vocals
12. Costly VIP add-ons
Last but not least, another netizen called out “the bastard who started charging extra for soundcheck.”
이거랑 사운드체크 보여준다고 돈 더받기 시작한 새끼와 티켓 값 20만원 이상으로 올려버린 새끼까지 해서 탑5로 만들고싶네요.. 아 둘이 같은 놈이던가… https://t.co/267t8XQazP
— 삼 (@hit__thatball) June 22, 2025
Given how expensive baseline concert ticket prices have become, fans are starting to feel fatigued by the additional premium price tags that come with VIP benefits.
