On August 23, 2024, Kanye West returned to South Korea for his "Vultures 2 Listening Experience" at Goyang Sports Complex, marking his first performance in the country in 14 years. While the event drew significant attention, with K-pop stars like CL, Minzy, aespa’s Giselle and Winter, solo singer Jeon So-mi, rappers Zion.T and members of NewJeans and TREASURE in attendance, it was impossible to ignore the shadow cast by Kanye’s recent behavior.
The backlash stems from Kanye West's controversial past, including incidents that have sparked significant public disapproval. Among these were the lyrics in his 2016 song "Famous," which many condemned for their offensive remarks about Taylor Swift. More recently, West drew widespread criticism for praising Adolf Hitler during an interview in 2022.
Kanye’s unpredictable actions in the past few years have sparked widespread controversy, from erratic public statements to questionable business ventures. His reputation has been marred by a series of incidents that have alienated fans and collaborators alike. Despite this, his concert in Korea drew a large crowd, eager to see the once-revered artist perform.
Fans expressed disappointment and concern over the presence of K-pop stars like NewJeans' Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, aespa's Winter and Giselle, and 2NE1's CL and Minzy at the concert. Critics questioned whether these artists were aware of West's controversial history and why they chose to attend an event associated with him.
Despite the criticism, some fans defended the idols, suggesting they may have attended the concert out of professional interest or to see a globally recognized artist perform. The concert, initially billed as a listening party, West reportedly "performed" 74 songs over 150 minutes, though the nature of the performance remains debated.