BIBI and Zelo spark controversy over suggestiveness at Waterbomb Seoul 2026

'Waterbomb Seoul 2026' has once again found itself at the center of a controversy regarding suggestiveness. Following singer BIBI, Zelo, formerly of the group B.A.P, also delivered high-intensity performances, leading to a sharp clash between those defending the shows as an "adult performance concept" and critics claiming the direction "crosses the line."

On the 25th, BIBI received an enthusiastic response at the 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026' stage held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, performing hits such as 'Bam Yang Gang' and 'Bad X.'

During the performance, BIBI appeared in a white jumpsuit soaked in water, then unzipped her outfit to reveal a bikini underneath. The choreography, performed alongside shirtless male dancers, quickly spread online and became a major talking point.

Some audience members reacted by saying the direction emphasized overly sexual images, stating, "It went beyond the acceptable level for a performance."

The controversy continued with Zelo's stage.

Zelo delivered an intense performance alongside female dancers in bikini outfits, leading to online criticisms that certain scenes were "excessive even for an adult performance."

On SNS and online communities, criticisms such as "Was it necessary to go as far as undressing when they could have just worn those outfits from the start?", "It looks more like an adult show than a concert," and "Even for a 19+ performance, there needs to be a proper limit" continued to surface.

On the other hand, there were many voices of support.

Since Waterbomb is an adult festival where only those aged 19 and older are permitted to enter, some argue that bold outfits and performances are part of the event's identity.

Netizens expressed opinions that freedom of expression should be respected, with comments such as "It is a performance for adult audiences, so there is no problem," "A stage that well-captured the unique free atmosphere of Waterbomb," and "It was a performance typical of BIBI."

Waterbomb has garnered significant attention every year for the unconventional stages of various artists, including Kwon Eunbi, but the controversy over suggestiveness has repeated just as frequently.

This year as well, the debate is unlikely to settle easily as the position that "the specific nature of an adult-only performance must be taken into account" clashes with the opinion that "since it is a popular culture performance, a certain level of moderation is necessary."

Between the characteristics of an adult festival and the public nature of a mainstream performance, the debate surrounding Waterbomb continues this year over how far acceptable expression can go.