TUIDE Vocals Spark Debate After Viral KBS Radio Clip
What Happened?
A clip of HYBE’s rookie girl group TUIDE performing live on a KBS radio show has circulated widely online, drawing sharp criticism from some netizens and a strong defense from fans. The footage, taken from the group’s appearance on KBS Cool FM’s “Paul Kim’s Music Plaza” on September 1, shows the seven members singing their debut title track “SUN KISS” live in the studio.
The video began gaining significant traction in late September, with social media users sharing short clips focused on the group’s harmonies and vocal stability. Some posts specifically highlighted moments where individual voices were difficult to hear or where the blend seemed uneven. The discussion quickly spread across multiple platforms.
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When the Clip Was Recorded and When It Went Viral
TUIDE appeared on “Paul Kim’s Music Plaza” on September 1, 2026, as part of their debut promotional activities. The group performed “SUN KISS” live during the broadcast.
The viral spread, however, appears to have accelerated nearly four weeks later. According to posts circulating on September 28 and 29, 2026, short clips from the performance were being shared widely, accompanied by commentary criticizing the group’s vocal abilities.
What the Viral Clip Shows
The footage shows TUIDE members seated or standing in the KBS radio studio, singing “SUN KISS” live. The performance includes harmonies and individual parts distributed among the seven members.
What the clip does not show is any official statement from HYBE, ABD, KBS, or the members themselves regarding the criticism. It also does not show the full context of the radio appearance, including any spoken segments or other songs performed.
What Is Confirmed
- TUIDE is a seven-member girl group under ABD, a label under HYBE. The members are Seohee, Seoyeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seah, and Yi Hani.
- The group debuted on August 24, 2026, with their first EP, “Tune & Play,” led by the title track “SUN KISS.”
- TUIDE performed “SUN KISS” live on KBS Cool FM’s “Paul Kim’s Music Plaza” on September 1, 2026.
- A clip from that performance circulated widely online in late September, drawing both criticism and defense.
- As of September 29, 2026, no official statement has been released by HYBE, ABD, or TUIDE regarding the vocal criticism.
What Is Being Reported
Entertainment outlets including Koreaboo and Shining Awards have reported on the viral clip and the divided reaction it generated. These reports describe netizens focusing on the group’s harmonies and questioning the polish of the live performance. The reports also note that fans pushed back, sharing clips they say demonstrate stronger vocal moments and arguing that TUIDE has faced unusually harsh scrutiny since debut.
What Remains Unconfirmed
It has not been confirmed whether the criticism reflects a widespread consensus or a vocal minority. It is also unclear whether the group used any backing track during the radio performance, a common practice in live radio settings. TUIDE’s agency has not commented on the debate, and the members have not addressed it publicly.
Fan Reactions and Online Discussion
The response to the clip has been noticeably divided. On one side, critics have focused on what they describe as unstable harmonies and moments where individual voices were difficult to distinguish. Some posts have been blunt, with users questioning the group’s readiness for live performances.
On the other side, fans have defended TUIDE vigorously. Many pointed out that the group had only debuted a month earlier and argued that the criticism was disproportionate. Some shared clips from other TUIDE performances, including a live band version of “SUN KISS” on the YouTube channel “it’s Live,” to argue that the group is capable of strong live singing. Others emphasized that the radio setting, with its different acoustics and lack of a full stage setup, is not an ideal measure of a group’s vocal ability.
One widely shared post from a fan account argued that the group’s debut was rushed and that they deserve time to improve before facing such intense criticism.
Background on TUIDE
TUIDE is the first girl group launched by ABD, a new label under HYBE. They are HYBE’s first new girl group in two years, following the U.S.-based group Katseye. The group’s name is derived from “Tune the tide,” reflecting their ambition to harmonize different flows into their own style.
The seven members were born between 2006 and 2011 and come from diverse backgrounds, including South Korea, the United States, Britain, and Japan. Member Seoyeon is the younger sister of TWICE’s Jihyo, which brought additional attention to the group before debut.
TUIDE’s debut EP, “Tune & Play,” features five tracks: “ABD,” “Sun Kiss,” “Echo,” “Flip-flop Girl,” and “Grls.” The group describes their musical style as “Soultronic,” blending soul and electronic elements.
Recent Activities
Despite the vocal controversy, TUIDE has seen notable chart success. “SUN KISS” reached No. 1 on Apple Music’s “Today’s Top 100: South Korea” chart and charted on Melon, Spotify, and YouTube in Korea. The group has appeared on variety shows and radio programs, including MBC FM4U, SBS PowerFM, and KBS CoolFM.
On September 2, TUIDE performed “SUN KISS” in a 100% live band setting on the YouTube channel “it’s Live,” a performance that received positive reactions from viewers.
What Happens Next?
TUIDE is expected to continue their debut promotional activities. The group has not announced any changes to their schedule following the viral debate. Whether HYBE or ABD will address the vocal criticism remains unclear.
This is a developing story, and additional details may be announced later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with TUIDE’s vocals?
A clip of TUIDE performing “SUN KISS” live on KBS Cool FM’s “Paul Kim’s Music Plaza” circulated widely online in late September 2026, drawing criticism from some netizens about the group’s harmonies and vocal stability.
Did TUIDE sing live on the radio show?
Yes, TUIDE performed “SUN KISS” live during their September 1 appearance on “Paul Kim’s Music Plaza.”
Has HYBE responded to the criticism?
No. As of September 29, 2026, neither HYBE nor ABD has released an official statement regarding the vocal controversy.
Why are fans defending TUIDE?
Fans argue that the group debuted only a month before the clip went viral and that the criticism is excessive for a rookie act. They have shared other performances to highlight the group’s vocal abilities.
When did TUIDE debut?
TUIDE debuted on August 24, 2026, with their first EP, “Tune & Play.”
Final Takeaway
The viral clip of TUIDE’s KBS radio performance has sparked a familiar debate in K-pop: how much scrutiny should rookie groups face, and what counts as fair criticism versus a hate train. What began as a single performance has become a larger conversation about live vocals, training, and the pressures facing new idols. For now, TUIDE continues their promotional activities, and the debate continues online.
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