LE SSERAFIM achieved remarkable success on Billboard, debuting at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 with HOT and securing its fourth consecutive Top 10 entry. Despite past domestic controversies, the group overcame challenges and gained renewed support from fans. The Billboard success of LE SSERAFIM has sparked excitement, with fans praising the album and anticipating future performances.
LE SSERAFIM Achieves Fourth Consecutive Billboard 200 Top 10
On March 25, Billboard released its latest chart rankings for March 29. LE SSERAFIM’s fifth mini-album, HOT, secured high positions across multiple charts, including the Billboard 200, where it debuted at No. 9. This achievement makes LE SSERAFIM the first fourth-generation K-pop girl group to enter the Top 10 four consecutive times. Their previous entries include UNFORGIVEN (No. 6), EASY (No. 8), and CRAZY (No. 7).
The album’s title track, HOT, narrowly missed entering the Hot 100 but ranked No. 9 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The Hot 100 was dominated by 30 songs from Playboi Carti’s latest album, his first release in five years. Despite this, HOT performed well, ranking on several global charts, including Global (Excl. US) (No. 21), Global 200 (No. 45), World Digital Song Sales (No. 1), and LyricFind Global (No. 2).
Strong Album Sales and Recognition in the U.S.
LE SSERAFIM also demonstrated impressive album sales in the U.S. HOT topped three key charts: Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales, and World Albums. These rankings, based on weekly physical album sales, highlight the group’s growing fanbase in the American market.
This success stands out even more given the challenges the group has faced. Despite controversies, LE SSERAFIM continues to build a strong global presence. Since their 2022 debut, they have gained popularity with hit songs like ANTIFRAGILE and UNFORGIVEN.
Past Controversies and Shifting Public Perception
While LE SSERAFIM achieved significant global success, their reception in South Korea has been mixed. Two key controversies contributed to this.
First, in April 2023, their Coachella performance received negative reviews due to unstable vocals. The backlash intensified when some members made statements addressing the criticism, which further fueled public debate. Second, they became entangled in HYBE’s internal dispute involving ADOR’s former CEO, Min Heejin, and NewJeans. Allegations of favoritism toward LE SSERAFIM led to negative discussions online.
However, the group directly addressed their Coachella performance during the CRAZY showcase in August, admitting their excitement caused them to lose control. They promised to improve and viewed it as a lifelong challenge. Additionally, recent legal proceedings revealed that many of Min Hee-jin’s claims were distorted, helping ease negative perceptions of LE SSERAFIM.
The Billboard Success of LE SSERAFIM Sparks Fan Excitement
With these controversies settling, LE SSERAFIM is regaining favor in Korea. Their latest album’s strong Billboard rankings have sparked positive discussions among Korean fans.
On MLBPARK, a major online community, users have posted congratulatory messages celebrating the group’s Billboard success. Anticipation for their Seoul concert is also growing. Fans are praising HOT, calling it one of the best songs of the year. Many also appreciate the album’s high-quality b-sides and actively debate their favorite tracks. Performances of HOT and Come Over have particularly received widespread acclaim.
LE SSERAFIM’s comeback has strengthened their global presence and is helping them regain domestic popularity.
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As much as I like the song, I can’t believe how criminally short it is 😭 bring back 3+ min songs with full choruses and bridges!!!