Unexpected viral moment, coincidental recent performances: 'Waterbomb' accused of being a titillation show, 'Splash Show' becomes a casting sensation [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As established as South Korea's premier summer concert event, 'Waterbomb' and Psy's 'Splash Show' have both unexpectedly sparked online controversy this year.

First, 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026', held on the 25th at an outdoor stage in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, was overshadowed by a titillation scandal involving Bibi, despite a star-studded lineup including aespa's Karina and Wonder Girls' Sunmi.

As expected for a performance restricted to audiences aged 19 and over, the stage featured numerous bikini-clad performers and excessive exposure. However, this year, Bibi's performance specifically drew public scrutiny. The controversy stemmed from her kneeling while surrounded by four male dancers who had removed their shirts, singing into microphones they held. Critics condemned it as a performance designed to go viral through titillation rather than showcasing the artist's unique style. Even if deemed appropriate for an adult-only show like 'Waterbomb', the resulting fan-cam videos spread across social media and online communities to all generations, fueling accusations that the provocative elements were intentionally staged. Alongside Bibi, Zelo from the former group B.A.P also faced similar suspicions due to his highly suggestive choreography.

Netizens commented with sharp criticism: "Compared to this, girl group variety shows seem tame," "Even if only 19+ can attend, there must be a line. This is tacky," "What is this?", "What was the intention?", and "Is this an AV?"

Conversely, some voices defended against what they considered an overreaction. Comedian Kim Young-min publicly supported Bibi on his SNS on the 27th, stating, "Whether male or female, if you're performing at 'Waterbomb' and aren't sexy, what would you call that? If you're waiting for a titillation article about 'Waterbomb', why not wait for a violence article about UFC?"

While 'Waterbomb' became hotly debated over its titillation issues, Psy's 'Splash Show' swept the headlines with an unexpected on-the-spot casting incident. Earlier, during the concert 'Psy Splash Show' held at Wonju Comprehensive Stadium in Gangwon Province on the 25th, a unique scene unfolded where numerous audience members witnessed the agency's casting process live. A female student seated in the audience was suddenly captured on the large screen, showcasing her dance skills. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Psy, head of P Nation, publicly extended a love call: "Have the P Nation manager go get that girl's contact information."

The student's talent and Psy's keen eye ignited online buzz. The fan-cam video capturing this moment garnered explosive attention, nearing 13 million views just two days after its release.

Psy's 'Splash Show' has truly become a pilgrimage site for casting. Following the performance, the event was entirely overshadowed by the student casting controversy. Eventually, it was revealed that the girl is Kim Ra-hee, a middle school student born in 2012. Further investigation showed she attends a dance academy and aspires to be an idol, drawing even more public interest.

However, suspicions of another 'viral' stunt arose strongly. Ultimately, Kim Ra-hee herself appeared publicly to clarify: "I am not a trainee," firmly stating she is an ordinary middle school student.

Additionally, Kim Ra-hee shared her subsequent story: "Everyone, I got it! I got it! I was cast by Psy at 'Splash Show'! Suddenly, our eyes met with the camera director! Then I was caught on camera again! Through the P Nation manager, they actually took my contact information. Wow! They really got my number! We'll meet again soon. Thank you for creating such happy memories."

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*This content was translated by AI.