Being No. 1 on music shows is a moment of pure joy, but it's not without its challenges. After winning, idols must face the "encore live" test.

It's not easy to hear a 100% live performance from an idol who isn't a confident vocalist. Most idols avoid singing during their encore while greeting fellow performers or fans. It's not the first time idols have been criticized for lip-syncing. In the early 2000s, many singers were openly criticized as "lip-syncing singers" or "goldfish singers." Music shows used to clearly label live and lip-sync performances and didn't hesitate to criticize lip-syncing artists.

As generations changed and idols became the cornerstone of the K-pop industry, standards shifted. Unlike the past's strict criteria for live and lip-syncing, AR (recordings including the singer's voice) has become commonplace in music shows and concerts. Live AR recordings, which sound like they were sung on-site, are also frequently used.

In the past, idols were trained to perform "intense dances" while singing live. One such "precious star" born from this training is BoA, who is still one of the few stars to perform entirely live during her concerts. TVXQ was also known for dancing and singing live on stage.

It's hard to deny that vocal talent has been "leveled down" as music shifted from being heard to being seen. It's sad to see idols who can't perform live or struggle with their own parts. However, using vocal talent as the sole criterion for evaluating idols no longer holds meaning.

There isn't a single answer to the questions, "Should idols be good at live performances?" and "Is vocal talent essential for idols?" If the focus is on singers whose job is to sing, vocal talent and live performances are "essential." However, if idols are seen as a separate category or profession, the answer is "not essential."

Idols are closer to artists created with a focus on performance, music, and commercial appeal. They are more like comprehensive artists than simply singers. K-pop fans worldwide are passionate about idols' images, concepts, and matching music and performances. Live performances have become a sufficient condition, not a necessary one.

Entertainment companies create groups with designated positions like vocals, dance, rap, and visuals. The goal is for members to fulfill their roles without breaking the team's balance while maintaining basic skills. Including members with exceptional vocal talent is a strategic choice, not the sole focus.

Some argue that idols and musicians should be viewed separately. Just as singers are called ballad or dance artists based on their genre, idols are also a genre of singers. The music industry has changed, and idols play a significant role, so it's not appropriate to use the same criteria as in the past.

The public no longer sees singers, idols, and musicians as one. Celebrities associated with musicians and idols are distinct. It's meaningless to evaluate singers who focus on performing and those who focus on singing with the same standards. It's time to move beyond the age-old live performance debate.  

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