Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful idols in the industry, Irene is now at the center of controversy after a recent live encore clip went viral across social media.
In the video, the leader of Red Velvet performs an a cappella version of Biggest Fan. However, instead of praise, her vocals drew criticism for being “flat,” lacking dynamics, and at times even off-key.
Encore stages are often considered the ultimate “truth mirror” for K-pop idols. As the final segment of weekly music shows, winning artists perform live without backing tracks or elaborate staging. It is a moment where raw vocal ability is fully exposed and where many idols have previously faced backlash after revealing vocal limitations.
Irene’s case is no exception. As the clip spread, netizens flooded comment sections with mixed reactions. Some questioned whether she had started in the wrong key, while others described her notes as “monotonous” or even compared the performance unfavorably to casual karaoke. A number of viewers also pointed out her slightly awkward facial expressions, suggesting she seemed aware of the performance’s shortcomings.
Fans quickly came to her defense, arguing that the song itself lacks strong climactic moments, making it difficult to showcase vocal power. Others suggested she may have missed the key at the beginning, affecting the rest of the performance. Some even speculated that her physical condition at the time could have contributed to the instability.
Despite the defense, the controversy reignited a long-standing narrative surrounding Irene: stunning visuals that may not fully match her talent. While Red Velvet is widely recognized as one of K-pop’s strongest vocal groups, Irene has never been positioned as a vocalist. Instead, she serves as rapper, visual, and leader. Without the support of members like Wendy or Joy on stage, her vocal weaknesses become more noticeable.
As a result, the stereotype of a “visual-only idol” has resurfaced. For many, Irene’s name is almost automatically associated with beauty first while her musical identity remains secondary.
Born Bae Joo-hyun in 1991, Irene is the leader, center, and visual of Red Velvet under SM Entertainment. Since debuting in 2014, she has risen to become one of K-pop’s most iconic visuals, often referred to as the “Original Visual” a benchmark of classic beauty in the industry.
Her career has gone through several distinct phases. From 2014 to 2020, she enjoyed massive success with Red Velvet through hits like Red Flavor, Bad Boy, and Psycho, helping the group secure a strong position in K-pop. Beyond music, Irene became a muse for luxury brands thanks to her elegant and cold aura.
In 2020, she formed the sub-unit Irene & Seulgi with Seulgi, releasing the mini-album Monster, which showcased a sharper and more mature performance style marking her attempt to break away from a purely visual image.
However, that same year, she became embroiled in an attitude controversy involving an industry professional. The backlash was severe, leading to a near two-year hiatus as she faced public criticism and industry distancing.
Following the scandal, Irene gradually resumed activities. By late 2024, she officially debuted as a solo artist with the mini-album Like A Flower, featuring a soft pop-dance style that highlighted her delicate and feminine tone.
Still, her solo releases did not achieve major digital success. The title track failed to maintain high rankings on charts like MelOn Top 100, and the album remained largely within her fandom without significant impact on the broader market.
More recently, Irene released the album Biggest Fan, selling nearly 200,000 copies in its first week a clear testament to her loyal and stable fanbase, which continues to sustain her solo career despite fluctuations in public perception.
Above all, what makes Irene a unique figure in K-pop is her beauty. Over 12 years of activity, she has rarely, if ever, been criticized for a decline in visuals. Her classic, elegant, and cold beauty has remained consistent from her trainee days to now, even as she enters her mid-30s. She continues to rank at the top of visual charts, maintaining her status as an irreplaceable “visual wall” in the industry.
Sources: K14
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