LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Compares Her Japanese and Korean Promotions

Source Music’s LE SSERAFIM recently made a comeback with their third mini album, EASY. As part of their ongoing promotions, leader Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura appeared on comedian Yoo Jae Suk’s YouTube show, Pinggyego. They discussed their early years in the K-pop industry and what it’s like to be in a group together for the second time (they were previously in IZ*ONE together).

Sakura has been an idol for over a decade. She debuted with Japan’s HKT48 in 2011, then with IZ*ONE in 2018, and finally with LE SSERAFIM in 2022. During the conversation, Sakura compared her experiences promoting in Japan and South Korea.

[EN/JP] 240220 mini핑계고 : 유재석, 르세라핌(김채원, 사쿠라) @뜬뜬편집실 (OneCam)ㅣ EP.10

When Sakura was in HKT48, she also held a concurrent position in AKB48. At its peak, the 48 Group, which includes AKB48 and its sister groups, had over 600 members. This number reflects the collective total across all the groups within the franchise, including teams based outside Japan. The extensive membership is more than just a characteristic; it’s a crucial part of how these groups perform and market themselves.

(Watch this performance of “Kimi wa Melody,” an AKB48 single for which Sakura was the center, to get an idea of how large their roster can be.)

Kimi wa Melody 君はメロディー AKB48 Groups

A significant shift for Sakura

The scale of the 48 Group, while enhancing fan engagement by offering a diverse array of personalities for fans to support, made it challenging for individual members to form close relationships within the supergroup. It wasn’t unusual for Sakura to encounter fellow members at concerts or other events whom she hadn’t met before. This situation highlights the logistical and social complexities of being part of such a large ensemble.

Transitioning to being in groups like IZ*ONE and LE SSERAFIM marked a significant shift for Sakura. In a smaller setup, the dynamics are inherently different, allowing for closer interaction and collaboration among members. This fosters stronger bonds, contrasting sharply with Sakura’s time in the 48 Group.

LE SSERAFIM ‘Smart’ Special Performance Video

For Sakura, the difference in the number of members she performs with now versus her days as a J-pop idol represents the biggest contrast between her Japanese and Korean promotions. She expressed relief that these days, it’s easier for her to understand her fellow members, and she’ll never have to worry about not knowing a fellow member again. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s easier to get along with everyone if you’re in a smaller group. Source: Instagram/@39saku_chan.