LE SSERAFIM‘s latest comeback with their album EASY has been embroiled in multiple controversies despite only having been released two days ago. From allegations of plagiarism to debates over wardrobe choices, the group’s return to the music scene has been anything but smooth. Here’s a deep dive into the issues that have surfaced.
1. Plagiarism
The first controversy centers around the group’s new b-side “Smart,” which has been accused of plagiarizing Tyla‘s hit song “Water.” Fans and critics noted similarities between the two tracks, particularly in their Afrobeat influences. The discourse escalated quickly online, with some accusing HYBE, LE SSERAFIM’s management company, of plagiarism.
for anyone confused in the quotes: fraudulent girl group lesserafim (under bts’ label) has unfortunately decided to attempt to make afrobeat music pic.twitter.com/h3JBpVIVdv https://t.co/A36ksPREdQ
— ✰ (@breathinjennies) February 20, 2024
The situation gained further attention when Tyla posted a popular GIF of someone looking confused on Twitter, which many interpreted as a response to the plagiarism claims. However, Tyla later clarified that she harbored “no weird vibes, always love to all girls,” diffusing the situation somewhat but leaving the conversation open in the fan community.
Why is my phone blowing up 💀
No weird vibes, always love to all girls
🐅♥️ pic.twitter.com/GnmQ1fGvbs— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) February 20, 2024
2. Inappropriate choreography
The choreography for “Smart” also sparked controversy — particularly concerning the group’s youngest member, Eunchae, who is only 17 years old.
le sserafim’s choreo for smart is not inappropriate for eunchae 🤷🏽♀️ https://t.co/g6IptCI6Zi
— liah ☆¡ (@jugwoos) February 20, 2024
Critics argued that some of the dance moves were inappropriate for a minor, causing discomfort among viewers and fans alike. The debate continues, with fans now discussing the fine line between artistic expression and the protection of young performers in the industry.
wait a damn minute..eunchae is a minor ?pic.twitter.com/q3o25EA18d
— ‘📀 (@ghostinwhit) February 19, 2024
3. Eunchae’s Inappropriate outfits
Eunchae’s wardrobe choices, or their stylists’ choices for her, have similarly come under scrutiny. Specific outfits, such as a short black dress worn during a performance and a tight, short skirt, were criticized for being inappropriate given her age. These discussions have raised broader questions about the sexualization of young idols and the standards to which they are held in the public eye.
Is Hong Eunchae’s stage outfits inappropriate for her age?https://t.co/hIimWPhmTv pic.twitter.com/xfVUkgAmTU
— pannchoa (@pannchoa) February 17, 2024
4. Yunjin’s NSFW outfit
Yunjin’s outfit at the EASY album showcase was one of the first controversies that fueled the fire, with her choice of a bra top and unbuckled jean shorts — revealing boxer shorts underneath — drawing significant backlash from the public. The response was swift, with many questioning the decision by the group’s stylists and the appropriateness of such outfits for public appearances.
Korean netizens were beyond shocked, with comments such as “What’s wrong with her,” “WTF?” and “I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. What is wrong with her?” filling up community sites.
5. Music Video Ban
Lastly, the music video for “EASY” was banned from broadcast by KBS due to a scene deemed to pose a “risk of imitation.” While fans were confused at first, many are now alleging that the cause of the ban is a scene where a hair dryer is dropped into a bath with one of the members inside. This decision adds LE SSERAFIM to a list of artists whose work has been restricted by broadcasters, sparking further debates over artistic freedom versus public safety.
These controversies have cast a shadow over LE SSERAFIM’s comeback, raising questions about the boundaries of creativity and the responsibilities of artists and their management. As the group navigates these challenges, the industry and fans alike are watching closely.
