[EMK Musical Company]
[EMK Musical Company]

Singer and musical actor Ok Joo-hyun has launched a pointed critique against performers who appear on television despite poor vocal ability, relying on heavy autotune post-production to mask their shortcomings.

Ok made the remarks through Bubble, a fan communication platform, writing that "these days, no matter how badly someone sings, they do brutal post-production with autotune," adding that "singers who are fully live performers don't feel good about it."

She said the frustration is widely shared among her peers. "This is something fellow singers — seniors and juniors alike — talk about when we get together," she wrote. "Things that you'd think, 'There's no way this can air,' all get leveled out in this weird way through autotune. Honestly, it makes me furious."

Ok went further, saying she has no desire to appear on programs alongside such performers. "You might think this is a rude thing to say, but it's the truth," she wrote. "When I see the autotune post-processing these days, I really think anyone and everyone is just coming out to sing."

When a fan expressed concern that her words might come across as too harsh, Ok stood her ground. "We cannot be showing people that you can have a career as a singer even if you can't sing," she said. "We should not be letting these misguided aspiring artists grow. We need to nip it in the bud."

The remarks drew mixed reactions online. Some users sided with Ok, writing that "the words are a bit strong, but the point itself I agree with" and noting that "when a singer's live recording gets touched up in post-production, it's understandable that someone who is genuinely talented would be furious." One commenter pointed to J-pop as a cautionary tale, arguing that one reason for its declining influence is that idols trading on looks and charm have overshadowed genuinely skilled vocalists.

Others pushed back, arguing that "idols can't help it — idols should be classified as a different category from singers altogether," and that "musical quality being valued over live vocal ability is now a global trend."

The issue of widespread autotune use in broadcast productions has drawn criticism before. Renowned musical director Park Kal-lin also raised concerns, saying that "most vocal talent shows air their broadcasts with autotune applied" and asking, "If everyone is made to sound like a good singer, how are viewers supposed to judge actual ability?"

Park added that "opera singers and musical actors spend long, lonely hours in the practice room fighting to perfect a single high note," and asked how great the anger must be "when autotune allows a less skilled performer to take away not just trophies but their livelihood."


bbo@heraldcorp.com