K-pop icon G-Dragon returned to the spotlight at MAMA Awards 2025 held on November 29 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Despite taking home important awards, including Best dance show, Best Male Artistand the scope Artist of the Yearhis long-awaited stage failed, triggering widespread backlash and even self-criticism from the artist himself.
During his live performance, G-Dragon presented a medley of his hit songs: DRAMA, HeartbreakerAND Untitled, 2014. Accompanied by beatboxer WING, expectations were high for a powerful comeback. However, many viewers expressed disappointment as the singer struggled with high notes, paused during multiple sections, and leaned heavily on AR (pre-recorded vocals), diminishing the performance’s impact.
The reaction intensified online, with fans labeling the stage a “disaster”. Some even described the experience as painful to watchpointing out that G-Dragon’s voice was barely audible during the shortened ballad segment of Untitled, 2014. Critics said the singer seemed distracted, unprepared and emotionally distant from the performance.
In a surprising move, G-Dragon directly commented on a clip of the performance posted by MAMA’s official account. Without any text, he simply left a thumbs-down emoji, widely interpreted as a candid admission of his dissatisfaction. The Internet was quick to dub this act”Boomdda” – a pun on “boom-up,” meaning it tipped the atmosphere downward.
This isn’t the first time G-Dragon has faced scrutiny over his live vocals. Similar concerns were raised after his performance at the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon and during his solo concert in early March this year. With this pattern, questions about the consistency of his live performances have become more pressing among fans and media alike.
Public reactions were mixed. While some fans have expressed disappointment — “It’s not what it used to be,” “I expected more from a legend” — others defended the artist, citing possible health issues or stage fright. However, the incident has opened up broader conversations about the challenges seasoned idols face as they attempt to match or surpass their past glory.
As G-Dragon continues his musical comeback, this moment is MOM can serve as a turning point: both a humbling reality check and a powerful reminder of the public’s high expectations. It remains to be seen whether he will address the criticism directly or let the next phase speak for itself.
Sources: Nate
