Recently, LE SSERAFIM made their comeback to the music scene with a new release titled “CRAZY.” However, the HYBE girl group unexpectedly became the center of criticism, even sparking a wave of controversy between two fandoms due to suspicions involving NewJeans and their fellow group aespa. As both are top fourth-generation K-pop girl groups, LE SSERAFIM and aespa have always been seen as competitors, and this incident has further intensified the tension between their fandoms.
This controversy stems from an action taken by the youngest member of LE SSERAFIM, Eunchae, who has been known for stirring up trouble. On August 31st, she posted an Instagram story showing a sticker promoting their new release being placed in a public elevator. This move was seen as a copycat of NewJeans’ previous “trick” during aespa’s promotion of “Armageddon,” intended as a jab.
To explain this “trick” further, here’s a summary of the situation. Several months ago, there was tension between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE. At that time, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk was revealed to have asked if Min Hee Jin would “crush” aespa with NewJeans. To avoid getting involved in the battle between the two leaders, Karina (aespa) and Minji (NewJeans) devised a secret plan to counter the public narrative and prove the good relationship between the two groups. According to the plan, Minji placed stickers in the HYBE headquarters to help promote aespa’s comeback with “Armageddon.”
However, after executing this “rebellious” plan, both NewJeans and aespa faced backlash from the public for being perceived as immature and thoughtless. The controversy escalated when LE SSERAFIM’s fans joined in, directing criticism toward the two rival girl groups.
Because Eunchae’s actions were identical to what NewJeans had done before, she was criticized as “shameless,” “thoughtless,” and accused of “mocking aespa”. This is especially notable considering Eunchae has a close friendship with Karina (aespa). Additionally, placing stickers indiscriminately in public places did not garner support from the public.
Korean netizens fiercely debated on Pann:
- “Wasn’t it LE SSERAFIM’s fans who heavily criticized NewJeans and aespa for doing the same thing before? I clearly remember them bashing Minji and Karina, saying they shouldn’t put such things in public places. Now Eunchae does the exact same thing?”
- “This isn’t even an elevator at HYBE, it’s at MBC. LE SSERAFIM’s fans once bashed SM for handing out flyers at HYBE, and now they’re staying silent.”
- “Oh, isn’t this the kind of mockery netizens used against Minji and Karina on forums?”
- “LE SSERAFIM’s fans did indeed criticize NewJeans and aespa for actions like this, didn’t they?”
- “This is hilarious, hahaha. LE SSERAFIM seems to be very good at stabbing others in the back.”
- This isn’t the first time Eunchae has been involved in a controversial action. Many fans believe the idol should be more cautious in her actions and words to avoid damaging the group’s overall reputation.
