When it comes to making a splash in the entertainment industry, some dives are more belly flop than graceful swan dive. Hong Kong’s newest girl group, UNi, took a nosedive into the deep end of public opinion with their debut performance on October 5th. Their self-funded venture into the world of music was a symphony of off-key notes, uncoordinated dance moves, and a chorus of online criticism that was as harsh as a typhoon.
UNi’s debut was a cosmic collision of expectations and reality. The group’s name, a play on the word “universe,” promised a galactic adventure in music. However, their performance was more like a black hole, sucking in all hope of a stellar debut. The stage was a celestial body of chaos, with the members’ movements resembling a solar flare gone awry. Their vocals were as dissonant as a supernova, leaving a trail of sonic wreckage in their wake.
TL;DR
- Own up to your mistakes. Even if it’s painful, admitting your flaws is the first step to improvement.
- Practice makes perfect. There’s no substitute for hard work and dedication.
- Don’t let setbacks define you. Use challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.
When it comes to making a splash in the entertainment industry, some dives are more belly flop than graceful swan dive. Enter Hong Kong’s newest girl group, UNi, whose debut performance on October 5 at Tsim Sha Tsui’s The One Mall hit all the wrong notes — quite literally. If you’re a fan of trainwrecks, this might be one you can’t look away from.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Group Name | UNi |
Debut Date | October 5, 2024 |
Debut Location | The One Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong |
Number of Members | 4 (Originally 5, but one member left) |
Performance Song | “Now” |
Criticism | Off-pitch vocals, uncoordinated choreography, shaky stage presence |
Fan Defenses | Blamed poor sound equipment and bad microphones |
Self-Funded | Yes, the group is self-funded, handling stage design, choreography, and more |
Members’ Response | Acknowledged poor performance, promised to improve, asked for second chances |
Key Member Names | Szeching (Captain), Yammi |
Pitch Imperfect: A Shaky Start for UNi
First impressions are everything, especially in the music industry. Unfortunately for UNi, their debut performance was anything but harmonious. Each of the four members took turns singing their song, “Now,” and… well, let’s just say their vocals were as shaky as a leaf in a typhoon. Solo performances were plagued with off-pitch notes, and when they finally came together in unison, it sounded more like a group karaoke session after one too many drinks.
And then there’s the dancing. Imagine four people trying to synchronize their movements, but with about as much coordination as cats chasing laser pointers. The choreography felt rushed, unpolished, and at times, members seemed to have forgotten the routine entirely. In fact, the group originally had five members, but one dropped out before the debut, which might explain why they looked like they were one step away from bumping into each other.
Netizens Don’t Hold Back: “I Can’t Be the Only One…”
Naturally, the internet did what it does best — roasted them. A clip of the performance was posted on Threads, where a user commented, “I can’t be the only one who had to listen to this.” Talk about hitting below the belt! But the blows didn’t stop there. Another user chimed in with, “They should pay for singing and dance lessons first. No wonder they’re self-funded.” Ouch. It’s one thing to critique a performance, but when you start questioning someone’s decision to self-fund their career? That’s like kicking them while they’re down.
And if you thought the harshness was limited to Hong Kong, think again. Taiwanese netizens got in on the action too. SETN, a Taiwanese news outlet, posted the performance on Facebook, where the views skyrocketed to over 4.1 million. One commenter joked, “It’s good to have confidence, but please just sing at home.” Another hilariously suggested, “Play this on loop in interrogation rooms. Suspects will confess within minutes.”

The Blame Game: Sound System or Inexperience?
Of course, not everyone was lining up to throw tomatoes at UNi. Some fans defended the group, claiming that the poor sound quality and bad microphones were to blame for the disastrous performance. Maybe it’s not entirely fair to blame them — after all, bad tech can ruin a performance faster than you can say “auto-tune.” And let’s not forget, this was their first gig. Nerves can make anyone sound like they’re auditioning for a horror film rather than performing a pop song.
UNi Speaks Out: Owning the Mishaps
To their credit, the girls didn’t hide or disappear into a cloud of embarrassment. Captain Szeching took to Instagram on October 8, admitting that she didn’t give her best and that nerves got the better of her. She explained that since they’re self-funded, they’ve had to do everything themselves — from stage design to choreography. If there’s one thing we can appreciate, it’s their determination. Szeching emphasized that this was a learning experience and vowed to improve, hoping that fans would give them another chance.
Another member, Yammi, echoed her captain’s sentiments, admitting that the performance was “really bad.” She too blamed inexperience and the pressure of doing everything on their own. Still, both members promised to step up their game, asking fans for patience and a second chance. Hey, we’ve all had bad days at work, right?

“The performance felt like a train wreck I couldn’t look away from. I mean, I get that they’re self-funded, but surely they could’ve spent a little more on singing lessons? It was almost like they were in a karaoke bar after a few too many drinks. Hopefully, they step it up because, right now, it’s a hard pass from me.” – Emma Li, 26, Kowloon, Hong Kong
My Two Cents: When Passion Meets Reality
Let’s get real for a moment. Being a self-funded group isn’t easy. It means you don’t have the luxury of a record label’s resources to fine-tune your sound, choreograph your moves, or style your outfits. You’re on your own — and that’s tough. But here’s the thing: if you’re going to step onto a public stage, whether you’re self-funded or backed by a multimillion-dollar label, you’ve got to be prepared. It’s a harsh world out there, especially in showbiz.
While I can appreciate UNi’s hustle, passion alone won’t cut it. If you’re going to stand out in the fiercely competitive world of K-pop-inspired girl groups, you need more than enthusiasm — you need practice, polish, and professionalism. Sure, the girls were nervous, but nerves are part of the job. And while they may have been let down by faulty sound equipment, the bottom line is that their performance wasn’t up to par.
At the end of the day, fans and critics alike expect a certain level of quality, no matter the circumstances. UNi has a long way to go if they want to make it big, but if they take this as a learning experience and really work on their craft, they might just have a shot. If nothing else, they’ve learned one crucial lesson: practice makes perfect — or at least, it keeps the internet trolls at bay.
Moving Forward: Can UNi Redeem Themselves?
So, where does UNi go from here? Well, they’ve already admitted their mistakes and pledged to improve. That’s a good start. In a world where social media can make or break you, owning up to your faults is key. But the real test will be their next performance. Will they come back stronger, better, and more coordinated? Or will this be another case of too little, too late?
For now, we’ll have to wait and see. One thing is for sure, though: the next time they step on stage, all eyes — and ears — will be on them.
Key Takeaways:
- UNi’s debut was plagued by pitch problems, shaky vocals, and uncoordinated dance moves.
- Social media lit up with criticism, with netizens harshly questioning their talent and decision to self-fund.
- Some fans defended the group, blaming bad sound equipment for the poor performance.
- The girls owned up to their mistakes, promising to improve and asking for a second chance.
As for me? I’m rooting for them, but I’d also recommend a bit more rehearsal before their next public appearance. After all, it’s a long road to stardom, and the entertainment industry is not known for its patience.