G-Dragon’s long-awaited return to SBS’s ‘Gayo Daejeon’ after eight years has sparked controversy over what many fans called disappointing stage direction.
On December 25, G-Dragon closed the ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’ at Incheon’s Inspire Arena with a showstopping medley of ‘POWER,’ ‘Crooked,’ and ‘MichiGO.’ Introduced by MC Doyoung as “an irreplaceable, living legend who commands the stage with his very presence,” G-Dragon delivered a dynamic performance fitting of his iconic status.
However, the finale’s execution drew sharp criticism. As G-Dragon lay at the center of the stage, striking a pre-planned pose and staring into the camera, other performers began to appear prematurely, disrupting the atmosphere. Some even walked past him as he finished his act, leading to a chaotic ending.
Fans expressed their disappointment on social media: “The performance wasn’t even over, and other artists just started walking on stage. I’m speechless!” “Honestly, this treatment is disrespectful to G-Dragon. He’s still lying on stage for the final pose, but other idols were walking around like it was over. He doesn’t deserve this. I’m so mad!” “The last scene with the overhead camera was supposed to be the highlight, but they rushed other artists onto the stage instead. It ruined everything.” “Even the camera quality was subpar. And having celebrities come up while G-Dragon was still performing? What was that about?” “At one point, he signaled that his in-ear monitor wasn’t working. The whole thing was frustrating to watch.”
Despite the mishap, G-Dragon earned the title of “The Idol Fans Want as Their Santa Claus” at the event. In a characteristically humble acceptance speech, he said, “It’s an honor to be chosen as the fans’ favorite idol at ‘SBS Gayo Daejeon.’ I thought it meant ‘the oldest idol,’ but apparently, it’s ‘favorite idol.’ I guess I’m still an idol. Thank you to all my fans, friends, and supporters.”
The ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’ was hosted by IVE’s Ahn Yu-jin, NCT’s Doyoung, and TXT’s Yeonjun, with a total of 29 teams lighting up the year-end celebration. Performers included TWICE, NCT 127, Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, ATEEZ, ITZY, Tomorrow X Together, aespa, ENHYPEN, IVE, NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and more. G-Dragon’s return marked his first appearance at the event since 2016 during BIGBANG’s promotions and his second year-end stage following last month’s ‘2024 MAMA Awards’ in Japan, adding special significance to the night.