LE SSERAFIM’s Hanbok Controversy Sparks Criticism in Korea

On the evening of September 17, a discussion titled “The Reason LE SSERAFIM Doesn’t Wear Hanbok” emerged on the popular Korean forum Pann Nate, quickly going viral with over 119,000 views within just half a day.

The topic particularly highlighted that during the Chuseok Holiday (Mid-autumn Festival, the most significant holiday in Korea), various girl groups commonly release photoshoots in Hanbok, yet LE SSERAFIM stands out as an exception.

Given that Hanbok represents national pride, the claims suggesting that a popular K-pop group like LE SSERAFIM “avoids” this traditional attire have sparked criticism. Nevertheless, several netizens have defended LE SSERAFIM, arguing that this issue is trivial and should not provoke intense criticism.

Here are some comments from netizens:

They are a Japanese idol group, so there’s no requirement for them to wear Hanbok (likely referencing members Sakura and Kazuha and several Japanese-related controversies surrounding LE SSERAFIM).
Just wear a kimono or something; no one will view you as a Korean idol.
Even international groups like KATSEYE released a Chuseok greeting video in Hanbok? I really don’t understand why LE SSERAFIM would not.
Why are people reacting so aggressively to this? They can choose their own outfits.
Didn’t aespa also skip wearing Hanbok for Chuseok?
Overreacting again… This is why so many foreigners dislike K-pop fans.

Source: Pann Nate

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