LE SSERAFIM recently made their comeback with a new release titled “CRAZY”. However, fellow girl group HYBE 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 fourth-generation K-pop girl groups, LE SSERAFIM and aespa have always been seen as competitors, and this incident has further escalated the tension between their fandoms.
This controversy stems from an action taken by LE SSERAFIM’s youngest member, Eunchae, who is known for stirring up trouble. On August 31, she posted an Instagram story showing a sticker promoting their new release, placed in a public elevator. This move was seen as a copy of NewJeans’ previous “trick” during aespa’s promotion of “Armageddon,” which was meant as a jab.
To better explain this “trick,” here’s a summary of the situation. Several months ago, there was tension between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE. At the time, it was revealed that HYBE president Bang Si Hyuk had asked if Min Hee Jin would “crush” aespa with NewJeans. To avoid being drawn into the battle between the two leaders, Karina (aespa) and Minji (NewJeans) came up with a secret plan to counter the public narrative and demonstrate the good relationship between the two groups. According to the plan, Minji placed stickers at HYBE headquarters to help promote aespa’s comeback with “Armageddon.”
However, after executing this “rebellious” plan, both NewJeans and aespa faced public backlash for being perceived as immature and reckless. The controversy escalated when LE SSERAFIM fans rallied, directing criticism at the two rival girl groups.
Since Eunchae’s actions were identical to what NewJeans had done previously, she was criticized as “cheeky”, “thoughtless”, and accused of “making fun of aespa”. This is especially notable considering that Eunchae has a close friendship with Karina (aespa). Furthermore, indiscriminately putting stickers in public places did not gain public support.
Korean netizens have been heatedly debating about Pann:
- “Weren’t LE SSERAFIM fans the ones who were harshly criticizing NewJeans and aespa for doing the same thing before? I clearly remember them criticizing Minji and Karina, saying that they shouldn’t put these things in public places. Now Eunchae is doing the exact same thing?”
- “This isn’t even an elevator at HYBE, it’s at MBC. LE SSERAFIM fans once attacked SM for handing out flyers at HYBE, and now they’re silent.”
- “Oh, isn’t this the kind of taunt netizens use against Minji and Karina on forums?”
- “LE SSERAFIM fans really criticized 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 act. Many fans believe that the idol should be more cautious in her actions and words to avoid damaging the group’s overall reputation.
