SM Entertainment Group’s “Disaster” Live Performance Hit With Scathing Criticism

NCT Wish won first place on Music Bank this week with their new single “Ode to Love”. The triumph was WISH’s ninth career win overall, but the celebratory mood didn’t last long.

The group’s encore stage, performed live immediately after the win, drew sharp criticism from Korean online communities.

아니 앵콜 더 보여주라고!!!! 풀버전내놔
위시 뮤뱅1위 축하해🥇🏆🤍🤍🤍#OdetoLove1stWin pic.twitter.com/Sw7fRHsFbb

— pari🍞¹⁸ ₈₂ (@sakrangdoongie) May 1, 2026

Many pointed to pitchy vocals and an overly nasal tone, with some calling it below the standard expected of an SM Entertainment act.

It’s worth noting that music show encores are notoriously unforgiving, with no warmup, minimal sound setup, and straight off the stage. Still, the reaction was notably harsh.

• “Wow, it is a bit rough though.”
• “SM idols used to be skilled even as rookies. This is genuinely shocking…”
• “Why are there so many artists these days who can’t do the one thing they’re actually supposed to do?”
• “Oof, what’s going on with them?”
• “Didn’t they have one member who was a really strong singer?”
• “If that had been the full version, it would’ve been a disaster.”
• “Maybe it’s because there are so many Japanese members. They seem like the weakest live performers among SM idols.”

NCT