Fandom intensity is increasing lately, so the quality of live performances has become crucial

Of course, having the highest team level doesn't necessarily mean having the #1 sales, but they are generally proportional.
If you look at the KGMA, the reason Day 1 turned into an empty concert with only 2,800 people is because
people don't come just to watch the invited guests receive awards;
they come to see them perform hit songs on stage. Since there were only about two boy groups like that on Day 1, that's what happened.
Rookies or second-tier groups in the growth phase might sing and dance, but if the songs aren't appealing or the dancing is just "basic,"
the venue ends up feeling empty.
Even if it's not the fans' own group, if there is a lineup of groups that pursue similar live performance styles or groups with songs people have heard of—
their main groups, sub-groups, etc.—the tickets sell out instantly.
If you look at why boy groups have started appealing with such intense, powerful songs,
it's because if they don't,
fans won't impulsively buy video call events or merchandise without thinking about the cost;
they won't engage in "heavy" fandom activities.
They spend 3 to 5 million won just for the front row of a concert.
The core regulars who show up every day right in front of the stage are almost certainly wealthy fans with enough disposable income.
Even when boy groups comeback with softer songs, their skill is still evident.
While there might be more variance in skill levels between members in some teams, fans prefer "strong" idols who give their all on stage
and can continuously blast through their hit songs without getting exhausted.
That trend has somewhat spread to girl groups as well.
When watching a performance, sometimes the choreography doesn't quite fit the concept,
but groups known for their live vocals are generally great; you can actually hear the live sound.
That's why comeback showcases are centered around boy groups with strong live skills.
Even teams that didn't used to do it, including girl groups, are doing them all on comeback day now. Even teams that used to pant after just two songs are practicing like crazy to perform at showcases.
As fandom intensity increases, you can't just coast by.
Even if it's not a fansign or a concert, overseas fans come to spend money on events
and travel just to see showcases.
They are watching to see how much the group has practiced and managed their physical condition for the comeback.
How many entry rights (tickets, albums) do you think 1,000 to 2,000 core fans in close proximity spend just to be in that spot?
If an idol just flails around or lip-syncs too much in those settings, the core fans will gradually leave.
They want to see as many songs as possible,
and if a member keeps bringing out bland songs and just dancing, the fans will truly start demanding more.
Groups improve and close the skill gap because they practice like crazy.
As for visuals, isn't everyone above a certain level in any group considered above average?
Overseas fans watch the same fan-shared videos, so they see the same things from similar perspectives.