ENHYPEN Sparks Controversy Among ENGENEs with Suggestive Choreography in BITE ME

BeLift Lab’s boy group ENHYPEN recently dropped their latest track, BITE ME, with the dark vampire theme. In their recent comeback, the boys showcased a more mature vibe compared to their previous works, which gained praise. However, some ENGENEs expressed their annoyance by sending protest trucks in response to the controversial and suggestive choreography.

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ENHYPEN Comeback with a More Mature Concept

Many praised the song for being good yet unique. Each member stands out exceptionally with their unreal talent, visuals, and acting. Moreover, in addition to the addictive chorus, the rap part is often mentioned as the highlight that captivates attention.

Upon its release, ENHYPEN gained over 1.5 million views in just a few hours with Bite Me music video. The view count continued to grow, reaching 19 million views within three days.

Not only did the official music video for Bite Me receive significant attention from music enthusiasts worldwide, but their Studio Choom video also garnered 1.8 million views within one day.

International fans rejoiced at the 2nd generation vibes to the new sexy concept of ENHYPEN’s recent comeback. Additionally, ENHYPEN Bite Me is being hailed as a revolution for the 4th generation of Kpop.

BITE ME Suggestive Dance Moves

Despite all the positive reactions, some fans condemned the company’s decision to incorporate choreography with female dancers. While such choreography was common among the 2nd generation of Kpop but rarely seen in the 3rd and 4th generations.

Since the teaser was released, netizens have expressed their annoyance with the physical contact between ENHYPEN members and female backup dancers in Bite Me videos. Despite the undeniable chemistry between ENHYPEN members and the female dancers, some fans criticized the dance moves as being too suggestive.

On May 23, a joint statement was issued under the name of ENGENE:

“ENHYPEN is still a young group that has yet to celebrate its 3rd anniversary since debut, and the team’s average age is 19.6 years old, including members who are still minors. It is still too early in their careers to pull off choreography, which comes across as old and suggestive. ENGENE demands that all choreography involving female dancers be removed from the ”Bite Me” performance. Beginning with the pre-recorded stage for the May 25 broadcast of ”M! Countdown,” which will be filmed at 2:30 AM KST, show us a performance consisting only of the 7 members of ENHYPEN. If the matter is not corrected, we will respond with additional organized action.”

Engene Statement — ENGENE’s joint statement

On May 24, fans reacted further by sending a protest truck to the HYBE building, asking for the company to remove the suggestive choreography from ENHYPEN Bite Me.

“BeLift Lab treats fans like fools. It is a company that stands in the way of its artists artists success. It is a company that has no will for improvement. It is the HYBE label with the worst creative sense.”

ENGENE protest truck — ENGENE’s protest truck | theqoo

Other fans also expressed their anger on online communities, like,

“If you watch the performance live in person, it’s so painful.”
“Why would fans pay to watch their idols dancing with women on stage…”
“The choreography is ugly. It doesn’t let the members shine.”

Full Support from International ENGENEs

Nevertheless, it does not reflect opinion of all ENGENEs on ENHYPEN Bite Me choreography. Some other fans condemned those who send the protest truck.

Honestly from a third party perspective, this does seem a little like they are acting up but if my idol had a comeback after a long time and this happened, I wouldn’t like it either.
I pity the dancers.
As a third party, a truck is too much. Am I the weird one for feeling like that?
Hwaiting to the fans. As a third party it would look like they’re acting up but have you even heard the screams of the fans regarding that performance?

Additionally, international fans keep showing their full support to the group by sending other led trucks.

led truck ad from thai engenes~ pic.twitter.com/ZBfHvWJP6V
— 🍞 (@jangkkungyaz) May 24, 2023

pic.twitter.com/cYF4NtjyKe
— 샤나 ◠‿◠ (Sunoo, I love you so much) (@ssshhhana) May 24, 2023

led truck ad from international engenes~ pic.twitter.com/hILqD9GdMK
— 🍞 (@jangkkungyaz) May 24, 2023

What do you think of the ongoing issue with the choreography of ENHYPEN’S recent comeback track, Bite Me? Feel free to share your thought in the comment section below. And stay updated with Korean entertainment news by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram.

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