Fans had feared this situation the most. LE SSERAFIM’s Kim Chaewon will be ruled out of the group’s upcoming comeback activities due to a health issue – and the timing couldn’t be more painful.

On May 19, Source Music confirmed that Kim Chaewon will temporarily step away from scheduled activities after receiving hospital treatment for neck pain. You will not be able to participate in university festivals, the Spotify PURE FLOWERS LIVE event and music performances.

The announcement comes just three days before LE SSERAFIM’s highly anticipated second album PUREFLOW pt.1 will be released on May 22nd. The album introduces two new concepts – “YUSU LILY”, which uses water imagery to convey lasting vitality, and “BIRCH SCAR”, which expresses human fears and emptiness – and will be supported by the group’s PUREFLOW World Tour 2026, which kicks off in Incheon on July 11 with 32 performances in 23 cities.

(L-R) Huh Yunjin, Kim Chaewon, Kazuha, Sakura and Hong Eunchae of Le Serafim attend the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York.
Noam Galai/Getty Images

Fan reaction to Source Music

News of the injuries reignited pre-existing concerns about the group’s physical demands. Fans had already been critical of the intense choreography of lead track “CELEBRATION”, which featured vigorous headbanging that drew criticism even before Chaewon’s injury was confirmed. Many took to social media to ask Source Music to re-evaluate the physical toll of its choreography on the group members.

Despite her absence from promotional activities, Kim Chaewon is expected to participate in the album release itself. Source Music has asked fans for their understanding and support as he prioritizes his recovery.

PUREFLOW pt.1 will be released on May 22nd at 1pm KST.