EXO’s Chen Calling Out 4th Gen Idol For Lip Syncing Goes Viral
EXO‘s Chen is known for his vocal ability and is considered one of K-Pop’s top vocalists.
Recently, the idol has been active as a judge on the survival show Be The Next: 9 Stars, a survival program based in the Philippines that is set to debut a new global boy group. He, along with AB6IX’s Park Woojin, Bang Yedam, HORI7ON’s Vinci, MOMOLAND‘s Hyebin, MLD performance director Bae Wan Hee, and producer Bullseye, serve as the panel judging the 74 hopefuls.
Only two episodes have aired so far, but a moment from one has already gone viral online.
Like most survival shows, contestants can show their skills individually on stage before the competition begins, where the judges critique them. A now viral clip of Chen shows the idol questioning one of the contestants on why they lip-synced during their stage.
🦖: Why did you lip sync?
OH I WOULD ACTUALLY CRY 😭😭😭😭 #BTN9DThirdBatch#CHEN #첸 @CHEN_INB100 pic.twitter.com/6CNS5YzP2R
— sof ⛅️ (@WITHKINGJD) February 15, 2025
The contestant, Yunho, is actually a member of the boy group THE KINGDOM under his stage name Arthur. He and another member of the group, Ivan, are the only two Korean (nationality) contestants on the program.
While the clip seems a bit harsh, the full video of the moment gives a better look at Chen’s judging style. After asking the question, Chen actually praises Yunho for his efforts, while expressing a desire to see more from him.
250216 | BTN9D EPISODE 4
🦖: Did you make the MR yourself? Why were you lip syncing?
🦖: Well, with this performance I can tell you have much talent. You have strong ambition and have a lot of things you want to do, and clearly possess a great potential, but it seems you could… pic.twitter.com/txt9HxagtI— sof ⛅️ (@WITHKINGJD) February 16, 2025
Fans also explained that Yunho was likely sick at the time of filming and lost his voice, resulting in him lip syncing in order to put his best performance forward.
Still, Chen’s styling of judging earned praise from viewers and was compared to those “attack” contestants rather than seek to uplift.
in a world of many "mentors" who attack trainees' self esteem and make them lose their love for music, be like jongdae who gives constructive criticism while also finding ways to compliment and encourage trainees https://t.co/NgHtOSTUNq
— c🌸mi | military wife 🐥 (@ANEMOSH94) February 17, 2025
im so glad chen was so kind and constructive, I guess yunho/arthur lipsyncing to focus on the dance makes more sense to kingme since he choreographs a lot for the group and started his idol career as a dancer but obviously thats not a general known fact 😅 https://t.co/EXriImdx29
— duck (@mulletboymyblvd) February 16, 2025
so the full quote isn't THAT bad …. chen sees his potential and knows he can give more 🥹 https://t.co/YzRAhXNr5O
— べくどょお 伝説 (@jonginini_ypc) February 16, 2025
