LE SSERAFIM faced a storm of Undeserved Hate after internal conflicts within their agency surfaced publicly. Despite painful criticism and false accusations, the group stayed focused, improved their skills, and trusted their fans. Over time, their persistence turned the tide, proving that resilience and silent strength can overcome even the harshest storms.
When LE SSERAFIM Met Undeserved Hate: A Year of Struggle
At their concert at Inspire Arena in Incheon this April, Huh Yunjin stood before a crowd of fans and confessed, “A year ago, I cried and asked, ‘How can we go forward? Is there even a future?’” Even the strongest members could not hide their vulnerability that night. Despite the pain, LE SSERAFIM knew the only choice was to keep moving forward. They had faced a wall that seemed impossible to climb, yet they kept walking.
The last year had been filled with hardships, especially after the public fallout between HYBE’s chairman Bang Sihyuk and former ADOR CEO Min Heejin. Min’s press conference on April 25th, 2024, intended to address her own issues with HYBE, ended up dragging LE SSERAFIM into controversy. She criticized their debut and framed the group as unfair beneficiaries within HYBE. That moment turned a corporate dispute into a brutal battle between NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM (+ILLIT), placing the young group at the center of undeserved hate.
LE SSERAFIM’s Quiet Resolve Against Waves of Undeserved Hate
LE SSERAFIM found themselves unfairly criticized for debuting earlier than NewJeans, even though debut timelines often shift in the entertainment world. The public, fueled by Min’s harsh words and fan emotions, painted LE SSERAFIM as villains. However, none of it was their fault. They never demanded to debut first, nor did they instigate any conflict between Bang and Min. At that time, they were simply a one-year-old rookie group, still learning, still finding their place. Youngest member Hong Eunchae was even still a minor.
Sometimes life throws undeserved hate at you, striking when you least expect it. Even when you live honestly, you can still become a target. LE SSERAFIM faced that painful reality head-on. They understood that trying to explain or defend themselves would only fuel more criticism. So they chose silence, trusting time and actions over words.
LE SSERAFIM’s Strategy: Trust Your People, Keep Working
Rather than issuing statements or canceling schedules, LE SSERAFIM trusted their fans and each other and focused on their work. Leader Kim Chaewon expressed deep gratitude to their fanclub, FEARNOT, saying, “As long as we have FEARNOT and LE SSERAFIM, we can overcome anything.” Huh Yunjin admitted she sometimes felt like giving up but knew it would be unfair to those who supported them. She endured, promising herself to protect the people who loved them. Hong Eunchae added that hardships taught her how precious it is to have people stand with you.
Through all the turmoil, LE SSERAFIM released two albums and completed fan meetings in both Korea and Japan. Their mini-album “Crazy” broke into Billboard HOT 100 at No. 76 and UK’s Official Chart at No. 86. Their latest mini-album “HOT” marks the beginning of an ambitious world tour across Asia and America. Through it all, they lived their message: stay quiet, trust your team, and keep moving forward.
LE SSERAFIM Turned Criticism into Growth, Not Bitterness
Not all criticism was completely unfair. Around the time of Min’s press conference, LE SSERAFIM also faced harsh criticism for their vocal performances at Coachella. It was not a national crisis, but for singers, weak live performances sting deeply. Instead of making excuses, the group embraced the feedback. Kazuha shared that they reviewed old footage and practiced intensely, believing one day their growth would shine brighter because of the hardships they faced.
At their recent concert, the results were obvious. Even while performing 22 songs, their vocals and choreography stayed strong and consistent. The performance of “Come Over,” featuring British band Jungle, stood out with impressive completeness. If LE SSERAFIM had not accepted the need to improve, public opinion might have turned even harsher. But through constant effort, both their skills and careers reached new highs, slowly shifting the public’s view in their favor.
Ignoring Absurd Hate: How LE SSERAFIM Beat Baseless Accusations
LE SSERAFIM also endured another wave of undeserved hate—accusations of being “pro-Japanese” simply because members Sakura and Kazuha are Japanese. Wild rumors, like Sakura posing near Mount Fuji being interpreted politically, made no real sense. The group chose not to react. They wrote no apologies and made no statements.
Instead, they let time work its magic. This decision turned out to be wise. Baseless accusations lose their power when no one dignifies them with a response. Today, even if someone tries to label LE SSERAFIM with those old slanders, almost no one pays attention. Their strategy—to speak only when necessary and stay silent when not—protected them from spiraling into unnecessary controversies. It allowed them to focus energy where it mattered: on their music and performances.
Justice Served: The Triumph of LE SSERAFIM Over a Year of Undeserved Hate
Today, LE SSERAFIM stands taller than ever. They have launched a global tour, performing for fans around the world. Meanwhile, NewJeans faces uncertainty after losing an injunction against their agency. Public opinion now views LE SSERAFIM as victorious. It feels like justice has been served. Hard work, patience, and resilience have carried them through a year thick with undeserved hate. Their journey shows us a truth we often forget: time eventually reveals who truly endures and shines.
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It breaks my heart that Le Sserafim went through such a tough time. Seriously, what’s Min Hee Jin’s problem saying such harsh things to these angels? 😭 And this whole pro-Japan/anti-Japan drama is just insane. Like, the US fought a whole war with Japan and tons of Americans died, but you don’t see this level of anti-Japan stuff.