While the group initially received praise for their performance from international fans on X (formerly known as Twitter), they were criticized by Korean netizens, especially after an MR-removed clip surfaced. The controversy eventually led to Sakura addressing the situation in a statement.
LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Addresses “Coachella 2024” Controversy In Heartfelt Post
However, netizens were not impressed by Sakura’s words. In particular, one netizen wanting to leave the fandom following Sakura’s statement sparked further debate.
Post by @huiozo
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After seeing Sakura’s statement, as a fan who listens to their music, I want to leave the fandom. It reads like, ‘We have improved a lot, we’re the best, you all can do whatever you want.’
– Netizen
The netizen also uploaded photos of their LE SSERAFIM photocards and membership card to prove that they’re a fan.
LE SSERAFIM photocards | @huiozo/Threads LE SSERAFIM membership card | @huiozo/Threads
The post garnered hundreds of comments from netizens. Some of them brought up incidents when Sakura was a member of the Japanese group HKT48.
Post by @owo91519
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“You should read up on the things she did while in HKT48. Perhaps you wouldn’t be surprised then.”
“Finally, someone on Threads has mentioned the HKT incidents. Before joining IZ*ONE, she told her teammates to wait for her to get back, but in the end, she graduated soon after returning to Japan and went to Korea. She even said AKB didn’t give her resources. Her current agency in Korea must be giving her more resources now, but she’s still like this…”
Post by @ru00829
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If you read up on what happened during her HKT48 days, you would leave the fandom without turning back. She sneakily fat-shamed her teammate and even said it was because she was hacked. She’s really bad.
– Netizen
The netizen is referring to the alleged incident of Sakura commenting on her teammate’s body using her official account.
Later, the tweet was deleted, and a bunch of random tweets were made. Sakura claimed this was the work of a hacker, but netizens did not believe her as it didn’t make sense for the tweet making fun of her teammate to be deleted before all the other random tweets were posted.
Other netizens and fans also shared their thoughts on the situation.
Post by @slient_crayon
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I’m also a fan of their music and performances. I will continue to like them since their songs are really my cup of tea. But I’m really indifferent about Sakura now…she’s the least qualified to post a statement like this.
– Netizen
Post by @6.nxrice_
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Although I’m a FEARNOT, I can’t refute anything about their singing as it really needs to be improved. This is the truth. But I hope HYBE will hire a vocal coach for girl groups with the money the sunbaenims made while on tour, instead of manipulating the charts and attracting hate for the girls.
– Netizens
Post by @1qianluv
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For her to post on Weverse, her main concern must be to comfort the fans…since those who love them would feel bad after reading all of the criticisms online. I’m not blindly defending her, I’m just expressing how fans feel.
– Netizen
What are your thoughts on the situation? Share them through the social media posts below.
LE SSERAFIM Fan Wanting To Leave The Fandom After Sakura’s “Coachella” Statement Sparks Heated Debatehttps://t.co/BLGFZ7nHCh
— Koreaboo (@Koreaboo) April 16, 2024
LE SSERAFIM Fan Wanting To Leave The Fandom After Sakura’s “Coachella” Statement Sparks Heated Debate
