Aespa’s Award Show Act Sparks Fierce Backlash Over Lip Sync Claims

aespa is facing backlash again after their performance at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) in Macau.

The controversy began after their U.S. promo, where they were slammed for their Good Morning America “Rich Man” stage. Fans and netizens called out bad dancing and lip-syncing issues.

Soon after, expectations were high for their TMA performance. aespa performed a three-song set: “Whiplash,” “Dirty Work,” and “Rich Man.”

They walked away with three awards: Muse of the Year, Artist of the Year, and the Special Jury Award. But the performance is what has everyone talking.

Many initially praised them for live vocals, but critics quickly pushed back. Observers said only “Whiplash” sounded truly live. Dancing was off-sync, and the AR track was too loud, drowning out their voices.

Twitter fans shared clips:

#aespa Whiplash at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/JQiy6YYQME

— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025

#aespa Dirty Work at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/VYxpUhRToE

— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025

#aespa Rich Man at TMA 2025 pic.twitter.com/d6gyJKfB6P

— aespa pics (@aespapic) September 20, 2025

Comments from netizens include:

“The AR sound is insanely loud.”

“As always, people are just mumbling in the comments.”

“I can only hear any sense of live singing in ‘Whiplash’ though?”

“I guess aespa really is doing well. Aespa fighting.”

“I think it’s kind of fascinating that fans baby them and praise them even when they’re only doing the bare minimum live… I guess that in itself is a kind of talent too. But I don’t know if that will ultimately help or hurt those members.”