BABYMONSTER member Chiquita has unintentionally become the center of online debate after her subtle reaction to fellow member Ahyeon’s powerful live vocals was caught on camera.
The now-viral clip comes from the group’s recent appearance on KBS CoolFM’s Park Myung Soo’s Radio Show, where the six members performed their energetic track “We Go Up” completely live.
The group’s flawless harmonies and stable vocal delivery drew widespread praise from both fans and general listeners, showcasing their musical growth since debut.
However, one brief moment during the performance has now sparked intense discourse online.
Near the end of the performance, Ahyeon showcased her impressive vocal range by delivering a series of high-pitched ad-libs over the group’s chorus. As she hit the high notes, Chiquita was seen removing her headphones one ear at a time, seemingly reacting to the volume of the vocals coming through her in-ears.
The moment, which lasted only a few seconds, quickly spread across social media platforms particularly on X (formerly Twitter) where fans debated its meaning.
Some users claimed it showed Chiquita being overwhelmed by Ahyeon’s powerful projection, while others compared it to an old clip of Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon taking out her in-ear monitors as Tiffany belted a high note during a live performance.
Despite the speculation, many fans were quick to defend both Ahyeon and Chiquita, emphasizing that the gesture was likely a natural technical reaction, not an emotional one.
“Anyone who’s done live singing knows that certain frequencies can spike through monitors it doesn’t mean she was annoyed,” one fan explained.
Another wrote: “Chiquita probably just adjusted because Ahyeon’s high notes were strong in the mix. People are overanalyzing a split-second moment.”
Many praised Ahyeon for her live vocal control and confidence, while others applauded Chiquita’s professionalism throughout the performance despite the unexpected viral attention.
The incident also reignited discussion about the pressure K-Pop idols face during live broadcasts, where every expression and reaction can become a trending topic.
Industry professionals have often noted that small technical actions like adjusting ear monitors can be misinterpreted when taken out of context.
“It’s not unusual for artists to remove one earpiece during loud ad-libs to better hear their own pitch or timing,” one producer commented in an online forum.
Since their debut under YG Entertainment, BABYMONSTER has steadily gained momentum with their bold image, strong stage presence, and standout vocals with Ahyeon often praised as one of the group’s most technically skilled members and Chiquita recognized for her mature tone despite her young age.
Their chemistry and vocal talent continue to draw both admiration and scrutiny, proving just how closely every move by the rookie group is watched.
Sources: KBS CoolFM,YouTube,X (Twitter),Koreaboo
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