GD leaves a comment after his controversial MAMA stage

Article: "Is G-Dragon disappointed in himself too?"... An emoji he left after seeing his controversial "MAMA" performance.

Source: MK Sports

G-Dragon has responded to the controversy surrounding his solo stage at the 2025 MAMAs.

At the 2025 MAMA AWARDS held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on the 29th, G-Dragon took home four awards, including 'Artist of the Year'. When he won the grand prize, the audience erupted in cheers of "Oppa!" and the entire awards ceremony was filled with overwhelming enthusiasm for G-Dragon.

However, controversy followed after the stage was revealed. G-Dragon performed 'Heartbreak' and 'Untitled', but criticism continued that he relied heavily on AR (backing track + recorded vocals) and that his live parts were unstable. Some viewers expressed disappointment, saying, "His condition looked off" and "He's not what he used to be."

GD himself also left an unusual reaction. Immediately after the awards ceremony, he left a comment on a video reel of his performance posted by the official MAMA account. The comment contained a simple "downvote" emoji with "...." Although it was just a short symbol, fans interpreted it to mean, "It seems like G-Dragon is disappointed in his own stage," and "I can tell he's regretful too."

A debate ensued among Korean fans. Some cheered, saying, "He's a professional for finishing the stage despite his poor condition," while others criticized, "It's a lack of management. He's basically admitting it."

In contrast, international fans had a completely different sentiment. Instagram comments were flooded with praise, including, "THE KING OF K-POP," "There's no artist this elegant. Our eternal king," "Artist of the year, perfect," and "He's the king of Asia. He doesn't need to go to the US." Some fans defended him, saying, "The only people who criticize him are those who don't know his accomplishments and influence."

Meanwhile, G-Dragon, after expressing condolences for the Hong Kong fire disaster at the awards ceremony, said, "I prepared a performance that could be of strength." He also donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars (~ 188 million won) to the relief fund, leading the charge to spread positive influence.