Nayeon’s (TWICE) solo comeback has already sparked controversyMessenger
On June 14th, Nayeon (from TWICE) officially released her mini-album “NA” and the title music video “ABCD.” This product marks the second time the hottest member of JYP’s third-generation girl group has promoted solo. Previously, Nayeon debuted as a solo artist in the summer of 2022. Her debut song “POP!” achieved certain successes, becoming one of Kpop’s notable summer hits. Therefore, when she announced her comeback with “ABCD” and her second mini-album, Kpop fans eagerly anticipated the diverse expression of Nayeon’s unique identity.
Regarding the title track, “ABCD” is an energetic pop dance song that mixes modern and hip-hop elements, bringing a 2000s pop spirit. “ABCD” was composed and arranged by BTS’s producer Pdogg and lyrically written by JYP Chairman Park Jin Young.
The collaboration between these hit makers for Nayeon stirred excitement early on. The result met expectations, with “ABCD” praised as the most captivating song in this comeback. The fresh, catchy melody is expected to continue the success that “POP!” previously created.
However, due to TWICE’s declining popularity in recent years, Nayeon has yet to achieve breakthrough success on her first day of the solo comeback. The title track “ABCD” debuted on Korean digital music charts with unimpressive rankings, including #23 on Bugs and #110 on Genie, failing to enter the MelOn Top 100. This is seen as a setback for Nayeon herself. With the high-quality music being appreciated by fans, people hope Nayeon will “reverse the trend” when she officially promotes the song.
The most buzz-worthy topic surrounding Nayeon’s comeback is the dance controversy. Pursuing a sexy, mature image and confidently showcasing her pop star charisma in the “ABCD” MV, Nayeon’s dance break includes a very bold segment.
The detail where Nayeon dances with male dancers, performing somewhat sensitive leg movements, has sparked controversy. Despite TWICE’s image transformation over the years, this brand-new image of Nayeon still shocks Kpop fans. Some believe Nayeon is overly seductive, even deeming the dance somewhat offensive.
The controversy surrounding Nayeon isn’t enough; netizens have also dragged Jennie (BLACKPINK) into the discussion. In 2023, the BLACKPINK rapper faced backlash for her bold dance segment with a male dancer in the movie “The Idol.” These opinions suggest that if Jennie was criticized for her sensual dance, Nayeon is now following the same “troubled path” as her colleague. It would be a “double standard” if only Jennie was constantly scrutinized.
TWICE fans are defending Nayeon against the widespread negative opinions on social media. They point out that the sensitive image of Nayeon circulating among netizens only lasts 1-2 seconds. When viewing the entire dance break, it’s hard to find it offensive. Using a deliberately zoomed-in photo of one movement to criticize the entire dance as “sexual” is unfair.
In addition to her seductiveness, Nayeon also embraces a free-spirited image, bringing a summer vibe in “ABCD.” Nayeon’s and Jennie’s dance styles are entirely different, making any comparison irrelevant.
