LE SSERAFIM embroiled in controversy over Japanese style: Rising sun flag + Dokdo?
Girl group LE SSERAFIM has become embroiled in controversy over Japanese style
Recently, a post re-examining LE SSERAFIM‘s “Burn the Bridge” music video was uploaded on an online community.
The resurgence of attention on LE SSERAFIM’s music video comes amidst conflicts within HYBE, including tensions with ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, as well as allegations associated with Dahnworld and suspicions of cult involvement.
The opening scene of the “Burn the Bridge” music video depicts a floor covered in red liquid, accompanied by a narration in Japanese.
Regarding this, one netizen meticulously dissected the timeline of the video, providing contextual explanations for each scene. This netizen claimed, “It’s a repertoire of pro-Japanese imperialism and propaganda for Japan-Korea Integration Policy during the Japanese colonial era” and “It’s part of Japan’s national cultural support project ‘Cool Japan’.“
Furthermore, they pointed out a scene towards the end where Japanese member Sakura floats above water while looking at the sky, resembling the shape of Dokdo, a disputed territory.
This led to a barrage of negative comments on the video, including remarks like “It was strange from the moment they added Japanese members“, “Is pro-Japanese their concept?” “I’m ashamed I liked them without knowing anything“, “Why did they include Japanese language?“, “I can’t tell if this is K-pop or J-pop“, “They’re blatantly pro-Japanese from the start” and “It’s shocking how blatant they are.”
Moreover, the controversy over Sakura’s disparagement of Koreans is also attracting attention. Sakura was embroiled in controversy from the beginning of her domestic activities. During her time with AKB48, she wore attire symbolizing the rising sun flag and performed shows endorsing war criminals.
While various rebuttals have surfaced, the veracity of these claims remains officially unconfirmed, yet the controversy persists.
Additionally, netizens pointed out instances of alleged impropriety during LE SSERAFIM’s recent performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. They criticized the use of Sakura’s Japanese narration as the members appeared on stage, the presence of a screen resembling the rising sun flag in the background, and the use of Japanese in the final greeting despite being a Korean group.
Currently, LE SSERAFIM’s side has hinted at legal action. On April 26th, their agency Source Music stated, “We have observed a serious level of indiscriminate defamation, spreading of false information, sexual harassment, malicious slander and mockery against LE SSERAFIM. In order to protect our artists, we will strengthen our legal response as necessary.”
Furthermore, they emphasized, “Due to the serious infringement of the artists’ dignity, we will take strict measures against malicious posts on SNS, online communities and any other channels.”
