In anticipation of LE SSERAFIM’s return with “CRAZY,”K-pop fans were quick to point out similarities between the group’s teasers and the concepts of Red Velvet, aespa, and NewJeans. This sparked interest and curiosity among fans.
The quintet will finally make their return to the music scene on Aug. 30 with the release of their highly anticipated 4th mini-album, “CRAZY.”
Prior to its release, LE SSERAFIM gave a preview of the album through track samplers, indicating that it would feature a diverse range of genres including techno, EDM-based house, rock, and hip-hop.
The group began teasing their fans on August 16 with a series of concept photos featuring the whole group, individual members, and unit shots.
Despite receiving overwhelming support from FEARNOTs (fandom), the group also attracted attention from other fandoms, but not for positive reasons.
K-netz has expressed that LE SSERAFIM’s “FEARLESS”image has been lost. They made this observation by comparing the group’s recent photos to teasers from previous campaigns of Red Velvet, aespa, and NewJeans, their competing groups.
Beginning with LE SSERAFIM’s “THUNDERING CEDAR”version, the members showcased stunning beauty with lightning as their primary theme. As a result, fans couldn’t resist mentioning aespa due to the similarities in styling and hairstyles. The compact version was also noted to have elements reminiscent of aespa.
On the 17th, the quintet released its “ODD FAIRY FLOSS”version, which reminded people of Red Velvet due to its eccentric and unconventional concept.
do NOT buy feel my rhythm by red velvet from walmart https://t.co/IA0fLP0xd3
— 🚬 (@flo1stfan) August 16, 2024
not saying copying but it gives rv vibes https://t.co/lgBPWwdNm2 pic.twitter.com/2oMIXfrrm7
— mishka (@linngloss) August 16, 2024
Finally, fans compared their “HEATHERS ROCK”teaser concepts to NewJeans’ youthful Y2K concept, causing some to raise their eyebrows. This led to speculation among music fans about whether LE SSERAFIM may have drawn inspiration from different girl groups.
LE SSERAFIM 4th Mini Album ‘CRAZY’CONCEPT PHOTOHEATHERS ROCKhttps://t.co/ADozMcsbJM2024.08.30 1PM (KST) | 12AM (ET)#LE_SSERAFIM #르세라핌#LE_SSERAFIM_CRAZY pic.twitter.com/de90rCOcoY
— SOURCEMUSIC (@SOURCEMUSIC) August 17, 2024
The team received criticism in online communities and SNS for appearing to have lost their characteristic confidence and fearlessness.
“But they really can’t do the concept. It’s just that everything is awkward and clumsy and it’s like they’re copying someone.”
“The trick is to plagiarize contemporary girl groups, somehow link them to the group they plagiarized from, and then do some noise marketing and reverse controversy. Look at the comments, they’re criticizing aespa.”
Ever since their debut, LE SSERAFIM has consistently showcased fashion-centric concepts that feature intricate details. By incorporating their team’s distinct colors into their runway shows and modeling, they have received positive feedback.
As a result, the current concept shots have left fans feeling disheartened.
Despite this, there were still many who defended LE SSERAFIM, arguing that with the presence of multiple active idol groups, it is not uncommon for there to be similar concepts.
What is your opinion on this?
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