On December 25, G-Dragon closed out the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon with a powerful final performance at the Incheon Inspire Arena, serving as the highlight of the year-end festival. This marked his return to Gayo Daejeon after 8 years and his first major appearance on a national stage since the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka, Japan.
Performing his new song “POWER” alongside hits like “Sober” and “Crooked,” G-Dragon delivered a free-spirited, high-energy performance. His commanding presence, combined with the singing of the audience, energized the venue. She ended her performance with a bold move, lying down on the stage and staring directly into the camera, making for a stunning finale.
However, reviews of his live performance drew mixed reactions online. Some criticized his live singing, claiming it lacked quality. They highlighted his use of AR (augmented reality) voice, his guttural vocal technique, and his selective approach to live singing, which some found embarrassing.
On the other hand, fans defended G-Dragon, attributing the problems to technical sound issues. Fancam footage revealed his in-ear monitor malfunctioning and microphone problems that forced him to cover parts of the performance with his raw voice. Proponents also argued that the initial beat mismatch resulted from sound system failures.
The audio problems reportedly affected not only G-Dragon but also other artists that evening. During his performance, he was seen uttering what appeared to be “It does not work” as he repeatedly adjusted his in-ear monitor, highlighting the technical difficulties he faced.
Adding to the controversy was confusion surrounding the final staging, which frustrated fans. While G-Dragon stood center stage looking into the camera, other performers began entering the stage prematurely, overshadowing his ending. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction, criticizing the poor video and audio quality as well as the incomplete staging.
Despite these challenges, G-Dragon has maintained his professionalism and warmly engaged with fans. She expressed gratitude by handing bouquets of flowers to the audience and shared lighthearted moments with her dancers in a post-performance photo. After being voted “Favorite Idol” in a fan poll, he wryly remarked: “I thought I was the oldest idol” showing appreciation for the support of his fans.
While G-Dragon’s return demonstrated his unrivaled charisma on stage, the combination of sound issues and lackluster staging left one feeling regretful. The mixed responses to his comeback performance highlighted the lasting weight of the G-Dragon name. Fans eagerly await how he will present himself on future stages.
