K-pop part distribution debate heats up after trainee’s controversial comments
The k-pop part distribution debate has taken center stage following comments from a trainee on Starship Entertainment’s survival show. During the March 28 broadcast of “Debut’s Plan,” one contestant’s strong opinions about line distribution sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry observers alike. This k-pop part distribution debate touches on a fundamental question: should vocal parts be assigned based on skill or distributed equally among group members?
Trainee Baek Joon Hyuk ignites the k-pop part distribution debate
Baek Joon Hyuk, a contestant on “Debut’s Plan,” didn’t mince words when discussing how parts should be allocated within a group performance. During the show’s third episode, where trainees competed in the second round of the competition, Baek made his position crystal clear.
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“I personally think that if you don’t have the skills, you should give up the parts you can’t handle to those who do have the skills,” he stated firmly during the episode. The trainee didn’t stop there. During a team meeting with his “Girls” team members, Baek doubled down on his stance, advocating for a merit-based approach to part distribution.
“In my opinion, the parts don’t have to be divided evenly among the team members. The members with the better skills should take more parts,” he explained, before adding that he believed his own abilities warranted more lines. “I don’t think I’m at a skill level where I should have such few parts. So I want to ask you guys to give me more parts.”
His straightforward comments immediately triggered discussions both on the show and across social media platforms. The k-pop part distribution debate isn’t new to the industry, but Baek’s candid remarks brought fresh attention to this ongoing controversy that affects both survival shows and established idol groups.
Korean netizens divided on the k-pop part distribution issue
The k-pop part distribution debate has revealed a clear divide among Korean fans. Many netizens strongly support a skill-based approach, believing it produces better musical outcomes and showcases a group’s strengths.
One commenter pointed out, “The quality of the song escalates when the talented members are there pulling off the good parts. The quality becomes crap when the untalented members try to get through the parts they were given and fail miserably.” This sentiment was echoed by several others who emphasized that musical quality should take precedence.
Another fan noted the structural design of K-pop itself: “There’s a reason that the K-Pop system has positions like main vocal, lead vocal, and sub vocal. K-pop songs are literally designed so that the talented members carry the important parts, and the less talented members carry smaller parts but still shine if they can pull them off.”
Some commenters made distinctions between a group’s early career and later stages. “I think during a group’s debut days, it’s important to establish their sound by giving the main vocals the most important parts and improving the overall quality of the song. Once the group has a strong fanbase, the part distribution should be more fluid,” one netizen suggested.
However, not everyone agreed with the skill-based approach to the k-pop part distribution debate. Those favoring equal distribution raised concerns about teamwork, fairness, and long-term group dynamics.
“I get what he means, but if you’re really a team, then the parts should be divided evenly so that the whole team can shine,” argued one commenter, emphasizing the collaborative nature of idol groups.
Others pointed out the unique context of survival shows: “If it’s a survival, shouldn’t the parts be distributed evenly? The whole point is for people to see who’s good and who’s not.” This perspective suggests that equal distribution creates a fairer evaluation environment for contestants.
Some fans also raised concerns about the fandom conflicts that can arise from uneven distributions: “People can say that giving more parts to the talented ones is the ‘right’ thing all they want, but we all know that fandoms can raise hell over parts. If the parts aren’t distributed evenly, it’ll cause fights among individual member fans, lead to mistreatment rumors, and create gaps between the ‘popular’ members and the ‘unpopular’ members.”
Final Thoughts on the K-pop part distribution debate
The k-pop part distribution debate sparked by Baek Joon Hyuk highlights a fundamental tension in the industry between musical excellence and group harmony. While skilled members can elevate a song’s quality, equal opportunity allows all members to develop and connect with fans. Perhaps the ideal approach varies depending on a group’s career stage, the specific song, and the company’s overall vision.
As “Debut’s Plan” continues to air every Friday at 9:30 PM KST on YouTube, viewers will likely witness more discussions on this topic. The show provides a fascinating window into the challenging decisions that shape tomorrow’s idol groups.
What do you think, Seoul Crushers? Should parts be distributed based on skill or equality? Share your thoughts in the comments!