Top Boy Group Criticized for Intentionally Flashing Their Underwear on Stage

Recently, a performance video of Japanese boy group SixTONES has been making waves across K-pop forums. The clip, capturing their performance of the group’s hit song “Ram Pam Pam”, has drawn mixed reactions due to what many call “inappropriate behavior.”

Particular, on April 24, a topic titled “Shocking choreography of Japanese male group: pants taken off to reveal underwear” was published on the Korean forum “theqoo”, drawing massive attention. Here, Korean netizens expressed shock and confusion at the group’s choreography, questioning why SixTONES would engage in such “unrefined” moves on stage.

In particular, during their “Ram Pam Pam” stage, all six members of the group wore flashy, glittering costumes and repeatedly pulled down their pants to reveal their underwear to the audience. This act left viewers feeling uncomfortable and criticizing the group for being too provocative. While K-pop is no stranger to bold performances — with male idols often sporting low-waist pants or even shirtless looks — such deliberate exposure is typically limited to specific, more liberal events, and artists rarely intentionally flash their undergarments.

According to long-time fans, “Ram Pam Pam” was one of the group’s early songs, but the controversial choreography was reportedly only added during performances from 2021 onwards. No one seems to understand why the group decided to include such a move, though some contend that Japan’s entertainment culture, and its audience’s tolerance for such performances, may differ from Korea’s more conservative standards.

Once the clips of the SixTONES performance started circulating online, Korean netizens reacted fiercely, ranging from mockery to outright disgust. Below are some reactions from K-netizens:

• I’m curious who even came up with that choreography.  
• Is this choreography made for exhibitionists?  
• Why would they even do that?  
• Can the audience there really accept this?  
• The choreography is simply tasteless.

SixTONES, who debuted in 2020, is considered one of Japan’s top boy groups, having sold over 6.24 million physical copies for their albums in Japan. Their debut single “Imitation Rain” was composed and arranged by X Japan member Yoshiki, a top star in the country. Currently, member Jesse of the group is rumored to be dating famous actress Haruka Ayase.