Understanding the Controversial Meme Involving Korean Student LE SSERAFIM Eunchae

After making a controversial statement, LE SSERAFIM Eunchae became a target of ridicule by Korean university students, who turned her into a meme.

The Korea University cheering squad hung a banner photo around the school, which sparked a lot of discussion among K-netizens in the online community.

Specifically, the banner caught attention because of its memorable slogan which reads:

“Korea University students, you’re attending Songdo in your freshman year, right? It must be tough!”

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The method of cheering up students was not conventional and was already attracting attention. However, it gained even more recognition when it was discovered that it was a parody of Eunchae’s previous contentious remarks about students.

Last March, the idol caused outrage among Korean students when she discussed school-related issues, stating:

“You all are attending schools, right? That must be tough. It’s so tough, I also know what it’s like. I also had to wake up at 7.”

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Initially, it appeared as though she was showing empathy towards Korean students, but her condescending tone and “cute”behavior, accompanied by laughter, did not sit well with them.

Despite some defending Eunchae and attributing her words to impulsivity, students still perceived her tone and demeanor as condescending and mocking.

The reason for the students’ anger was that Eunchae, as an idol with a busy schedule, was not attending school. As a result, university students expressed frustration that she may not fully comprehend their experiences since she is not a full-time student.

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In addition, Eunchae sparked controversy among students in September of last year when she questioned the necessity of attending traditional schooling.

Consequently, Eunchae became the subject of ridicule among Koreans through the creation of memes, while certain students belittled her for her lack of education and perceived comfortable lifestyle.

While she was earning money as an idol despite her mediocre skills, students emphasized the fact that they had to diligently attend school, pass exams, and compete against formidable opponents in order to secure a respectable job offer after graduation.

During the Coachella 2024 event, the young idol’s performance was brought up and she was criticized for her lack of skill as a singer and for mocking the students, which was deemed absurd.

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Additionally, online users persist in mocking the celebrity as she has not issued an apology or made any statement regarding her controversial comments.

“Even if the camera is rolling, I can see how much she thinks about people on a regular basis.”

“Even people who aren’t seniors in high school get angry.”

“She’s blatantly ridiculing students across the country.”

However, despite being born in 2006 and only 17 years old, Eunchae made her debut as the maknae of LE SSERAFIM in 2022. While her peers are currently seniors in high school and busy preparing for their college entrance exams, Eunchae had to leave high school to concentrate on her career as an idol.