LE SSERAFIM, a popular HYBE girl group, recently marked their return to the music industry with a highly anticipated release named “CRAZY.”However, the group faced unexpected backlash and sparked controversy between two fandoms due to suspicions involving their fellow group, aespa, and the brand NewJeans. As both groups are considered leading fourth-generation K-pop girl groups, their rivalry has always been evident. This incident has further heightened the tension between their respective fandoms.
This dispute originates from a decision made by Eunchae, the youngest member of LE SSERAFIM, who has a reputation for causing problems. On August 31st, Eunchae shared a sticker promoting their new release on her Instagram story, which was then placed in a public elevator. This action was viewed as imitating NewJeans’ previous tactic during aespa’s promotion of “Armageddon,”and was perceived as a provocation.
To further explain this “trick,”let’s summarize the situation. A few months ago, there was tension between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE. During this time, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk was reported to have asked if Min Hee Jin would use NewJeans to “crush”aespa. In order to avoid becoming involved in the conflict between the two leaders, Karina (aespa) and Minji (NewJeans) came up with a secret plan to refute the public narrative and showcase the positive relationship between the two groups. As part of the plan, Minji strategically placed stickers at the HYBE headquarters to help promote aespa’s comeback with “Armageddon.”
Despite executing this “rebellious”plan, both NewJeans and aespa received backlash from the public for being seen as immature and thoughtless. The situation became more intense when the fans of LE SSERAFIM also joined in, directing criticism towards the two competing girl groups.
Eunchae faced criticism for her actions, which were deemed to be identical to those of NewJeans. She was accused of being “shameless”and “thoughtless”and faced accusations of “mocking aespa.”This is particularly noteworthy because of her close friendship with Karina (aespa). Furthermore, her indiscriminate placement of stickers in public places did not receive support from the public.
Pann was the center of heated debates among Korean netizens:
- “Wasn’t it LE SSERAFIM’s fans who heavily criticized NewJeans and aespa for doing the same thing before? I clearly remember them bashing Minji and Karina, saying they shouldn’t put such things in public places. Now Eunchae does the exact same thing?”
- “This isn’t even an elevator at HYBE, it’s at MBC. LE SSERAFIM’s fans once bashed SM for handing out flyers at HYBE, and now they’re staying silent.”
- “Oh, isn’t this the kind of mockery netizens used against Minji and Karina on forums?”
- “LE SSERAFIM’s fans did indeed criticize NewJeans and aespa for actions like this, didn’t they?”
- “This is hilarious, hahaha. LE SSERAFIM seems to be very good at stabbing others in the back.”
- Eunchae has a history of being involved in controversial actions. Numerous fans feel that the idol should exercise greater caution in both her actions and words to prevent any harm to the group’s overall image.
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