LE SSERAFIM Hong Eunchae’s Controversial Remark Mocking Students Becomes a Meme in Korea

The Korea University cheerleading squad posted a photo online of a banner they had recently put up around the school campus.

The cheerleading squad from Korea University displayed a banner with a message directed towards the university’s students, stating, “Are you freshmen at Korea University heading to Songdo? It’s definitely not an easy feat!”

This paragraph is a satirical interpretation of a statement that was previously made by Hong Eunchae during a live broadcast.

Last March, Hong Eunchae made jokes about school during a Weverse live broadcast, asking, “Are you guys all in school? It must be challenging.”

During a separate live broadcast in September of that same year, she made a similar comment stating her confusion as to why one must attend school.

Upon further review, it was noted by netizens that her remarks were not only inconsiderate, but also appeared to be ridiculing and diminishing towards students.

Hong Eunchae’s comments sparked criticism in light of LE SSERAFIM’s 2024 Coachella live performance controversy. Many netizens found it hypocritical for a singer who was not fulfilling her duties to mock students.

Similarly to NewJeans’ Minji, who expressed regret for her kalguksu controversy, Hong Eunchae has remained silent on the matter and has not released any statement regarding her comments.

The online community responded with comments such as, “If she’s bold enough to say that on camera, it’s safe to assume that’s her true opinion,””Even non-students find this irritating,”and “Her behavior is a clear mockery of students all over the country.”

Despite being born in 2006, Hong Eunchae has chosen to drop out of high school and focus on her idol career, while her peers are busy preparing for the college entrance exam.

Following the backlash directed at LE SSERAFIM after their Coachella performance, their company has decided to continue the group’s activities without implementing any specific measures.

LE SSERAFIM hosted their fan meeting ‘FEARNADA’ at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on May 11th and 12th.

The original source of the following information can be found on the nate website at //news.nate.com/view/20240520n29408?mid=n1008.