IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and TWICE heavily criticized by netizens for their appearance in Kōhaku Uta Gassen

Japanese netizens are protesting the appearance of Kpop female groups in their famous New Year’s music program. 

On November 16th, a press conference was held at NHK Broadcasting Center in Tokyo regarding the 73rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen, which is the largest year-end music festival in Japan. Here, an official from the production team of the festival revealed “the reason for inviting a number of Kpop artists”. 

In particular, he said, “I realized once again this year that Korean groups have a huge impact on the global market as well as the Japanese market. What is released in Korea can be seen all over the world in an instant, and Japanese fans are always waiting for such content.” 

Previously, it was confirmed that IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and TWICE would appear in the 2022 Kōhaku Uta Gassen. 

However, regarding the news, Japanese netizens have been showing mixed responses, and below are some of their reactions:

• Rather than promoting Korean rookies, they should support young Japanese singers who can sing well. 
• Following their words, if we include popular singers in Taiwan or Thailand, the popularity of Kōhaku Uta Gassen will also increase.
• “Why do Japanese people have to pay to see a program full of Koreans?
• If you’re conscious of the world, why don’t they include Travis Japan?
• This lineup doesn’t consider Japanese middle-aged and older people at all
• They may as well rename it into a Kpop singing competition.
• Change the lineup

On the other hand, Korean netizens also feel controversial, leaving comments such as: 

• Since when did that broadcast become a place for K-pop rookie groups to appear?
• Every year at the end of the year, there are reactions like this. It’s really boring. 
• What’s the issue? They appear because they’re popular
• Did they also get angry when TVXQ (DBSK) and Kara appeared?
• They must have invited our artists to ensure the ratings 
• The funny thing is that those people don’t necessarily know anything about Korean idols.

NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, which has been held on December 31st every year since 1951, is Japan’s representative year-end song festival. Normally, artists who have shined and achieved great results in Japan are invited to perform their hit songs. 

In the past, popular Kpop singers such as BoA, TVXQ (DBSK), KARA, Girls’ Generation (SNSD), and TWICE appeared in the program and drew attention.

On the other hand, the 73rd NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen will air on December 31st at 7:20 pm (KST).

Source: Nate