Was NMIXX’s viral audio malfunction at the Shinhan University festival staged? SQU4D agency releases statement confirming claims

NMIXX's agency SQU4D released a statement confirming claims that the viral audio malfunction incident at the Shinhan University festival was staged through the band's official X(formerly Twitter) account on May 30. The agency stated, as translated by X user @nmixxpics_:

"The audio incident at the NMIXX Shinhan University Festival stage was an event planned to enhance the atmosphere of the festival where we shared the details with the organizers and used event-specific soundtracks."

The group was performing their track DICE at the Shinhan University Festival on May 27, 2024. However, the backtrack suddenly stopped playing, causing inconvenience during the concert.

The intentional audio malfunction did not hinder the group from performing, and they kept singing the track and showcased their live vocals.

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NMIXX members didn't know about staged audio malfunction

Members of the group (Image via X/ NMIXX_OFFICIAL)

The sub-label of JYP Entertainment, SQU4D, disclosed that the group members did not have any clue that the audio malfunction incident was staged at the Shinhan University festival.

The agency stated that they wanted members to follow their natural instinct while facing such circumstances and commented, as translated by X user @nmixxpics_:

"However, we would like to inform you that we did not inform the NMIXX members in advance to ensure a natural performance."

The SQU4D further apologized for creating confusion and inconvenience among the fandom due to their staged audio malfunction incident and assured them that they would not plan such events in the future. The sub-label stated:

"We apologize for not considering the possibility of confusion and inconvenience for the audience and fans due to this event. We will pay attention to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. We would like to apologize once again to the audience and fans who supported the group at the festival. Thank you."

Additionally, the group member Bae also disclosed that she had no idea that the backtrack during the group's Dice performance would suddenly stop.

She responded to one of the fan's posts, who stated that they were flustered due to the audio malfunction during their live performance.

However, the fan added that the members delivered an amazing performance on the South Korean social media platform Bubble. Bae replied, as translated by X user @6mixxbbl:

"Oh my. Suddenly the music and I was really surprised. I mean I was surprised, and I could not control my facial expressions because I was shocked, but my body kept moving. It just felt natural to sing. My expression must have been really visible."

As the fandom learned about the entire story behind the staged audio malfunction incident at the University festival, they reacted differently.

While some praised the members for their live vocals and professionalism in handling the situation maturely, others expressed disappointment in the agency's decision.

Many fans also cited the incident as a prank by the agency, who wanted to prove their artist's vocal skills to the world in a transparent manner. It is also to be noted that currently, many K-pop idol's live performances have become a hot topic among netizens.

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The 6 member group includes Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Kyujin, and Jiwoo. They debuted on February 22, 2022, with their album Ad Mare.