G-Dragon criticised over his performance at the 2025 MAMA Awards; fans call it, 'A disaster among disasters'

G-Dragon faces backlash

BIGBANG’s G-Dragon became one of the most-talked-about stars of the night after attending Day 2 of the 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs) on November 29 KST.

The legendary performer took home one of the ceremony’s top honours, Artist of the Year, a prestigious Daesang and delivered a 15-minute performance featuring tracks from his new album Übermensch alongside some of his classic hits. He also invited beatboxer Wing of Beatpella House for an extended solo segment. The high-energy collaboration drew loud cheers from the live audience. Those present at the venue praised the powerful stage production and G-Dragon’s unmistakable charisma.

2025 MAMA 지드래곤 full ver. INTRO + DRAMA + HEARTBREAKER + 무제#지드래곤#GDRAGONpic.twitter.com/hJni6JTrJX

— dd (@ariesmauve) November 29, 2025

However, the reaction online was far less positive.

Viewers watching through livestreams criticised the performance for relying heavily on AR and lacking live vocals. During Heartbreaker, G-Dragon was seen frequently cutting off mid-song and skipping parts of the choreography. Many pointed out that his live singing was barely audible, a complaint echoed again during Untitled, 2014, where fans claimed the first half sounded almost entirely pre-recorded. Though he performed solo on a vast stage, some felt he appeared uneasy.

Korean community sites quickly filled with disappointed reactions, with most criticism centered on vocal performance. “He didn’t sing Heartbreaker at all…? If he won’t sing, he should at least dance well. Is he really still an artist? He even said in the Son Suk-hee interview that his voice isn’t what it used to be. If he wants to continue as a singer, he needs treatment or vocal training,” commented a fan.

“A disaster among disasters,” remarked another.

“Not surprised. He should stop showing up at events like this,” a follower wrote. “Tone-deaf… but honestly, he’s always been like this,” criticised another.

Also Read: 2025 MAMA Awards: G-Dragon wins Artist of the Year; acknowledges the fire tragedy and says, 'This year's activities feel different'

Another fan noted, “If you have any conscience, stop milking it with this level of skill.” While yet another said, “He wasn’t this bad before. He used to put on good stages, but his power keeps dropping…”

While the live audience celebrated his return, online reactions show that expectations for G-Dragon, especially after several years away, remain extremely high.