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LE SSERAFIM Nabs 3 Nominations at 2024 EMAs

The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) has officially announced its nominees, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for K-pop fans! One of the frontrunners has been revealed to be LE SSERAFIM as they nab 3 nominations at the upcoming awards ceremony.

LE SSERAFIM Confirmed for 3 Nominations at 2024 EMAs

On October 8, the EMAs revealed the list of artists who will be competing for top honors at this year’s ceremony, which will take place in the United Kingdom on November 10.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has emerged as one of the most highly-nominated artists, securing four nominations. Her collaboration with Rosalía on the song “New Woman” has earned her spots in both the Best Video and Best Collaboration categories. Additionally, Lisa is up for Biggest Fans and Best K-Pop, underscoring her significant global impact.

Another K-pop powerhouse, LE SSERAFIM, also made an impressive showing, receiving three nominations. The rookie group is in the running for Best New, Best Push, and Best K-Pop, cementing their rapid rise in the global music scene.

As for the Best K-Pop category, this year’s nominees are a lineup of heavy hitters: BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook, LE SSERAFIM, Lisa, NewJeans, and Stray Kids will all be competing for the coveted award. With such a star-studded roster, the competition is sure to be fierce.

Adding to the excitement for fans across Asia, rising artist ILLIT has also been nominated for Best Asia Act, reflecting the growing international presence of Asian artists beyond K-pop.

The 2024 MTV EMAs will be broadcast live from Manchester on November 10 at 9 p.m. GMT. Fans can also cast their votes for their favorite artists on the official MTV EMA website, with voting open until November 6 at midnight CET. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the event, and it promises to be an unforgettable night filled with electrifying performances and global talent.

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LE SSERAFIM Confirmed for 2024 MTV VMA Pre-Show

LE SSERAFIM is set to make an exciting appearance at the 2024 MTV VMA Pre-Show.

LE SSERAFIM To Perform at 2024 MTV VMA Pre-Show

On September 6, MTV officially confirmed that the rising K-pop group would grace the stage before the main event, marking a significant milestone in their career.

The VMA Pre-Show has historically featured performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna have previously lit up the Pre-Show stage, and LE SSERAFIM’s inclusion signals their growing recognition on the global stage.

Additionally, LE SSERAFIM has been nominated for Push Performance of the Year at the 2024 VMAs for their hit song “EASY,” marking their first-ever nomination at the prestigious event. This nomination is a testament to the group’s rapid rise in the international music scene, driven by their unique sound and captivating performances.

A Huge Night for K-Pop

The 2024 MTV VMAs will also be a massive night for K-pop, with several groups in the spotlight. Notably, BLACKPINK’s Lisa is confirmed to perform during the main award ceremony, adding further excitement for K-pop fans. Furthermore, groups like NCT DREAM, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, and TXT are all contenders for the Group of the Year Award, going head-to-head with prominent Western acts such as NSYNC, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, and Twenty One Pilots.

This year’s VMAs, including the Pre-Show, highlight the increasing global influence of K-pop, as more K-pop acts are being recognized alongside the world’s most renowned music artists. LE SSERAFIM’s performance on September 11 at 6:30 p.m. KST is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, marking another pivotal moment in their ascent in the music industry.

The anticipation is building for the 2024 MTV VMAs, which will air live from New York on September 11 at 8 p.m. KST. With such a diverse and talented roster of nominees, the Group of the Year category also promises to be one of the most closely watched and hotly contested awards of the night.

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LE SSERAFIM Dominates iTunes Charts Worldwide with ‘CRAZY’

LE SSERAFIM is making waves on global music charts with their latest album! ‘CRAZY’ dominates iTunes charts worldwide just a day after its release!

LE SSERAFIM’s ‘CRAZY’ Dominates iTunes Charts Worldwide

On August 30 at 1 p.m. KST, the group dropped their much-anticipated mini album “CRAZY,” featuring the title track of the same name. The release was also met with an overwhelmingly positive response from fans around the world, quickly propelling both the album and the title track to the top of various charts.

By 9 a.m. KST on August 31, “CRAZY” had already claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Albums charts in at least 11 different regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. The album also secured a position in the top 10 in at least 23 regions, including major markets like the United States, Japan, and Canada, demonstrating LE SSERAFIM’s broad international appeal.

The success of the title track “CRAZY” was also equally impressive. The song also landed in the top 10 on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 10 regions, including Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, further solidifying the group’s presence on the global music scene.

In addition to dominating iTunes charts, the music video for “CRAZY” also made a significant impact on YouTube. The video quickly soared to No. 1 on YouTube’s worldwide list of Top Trending Music Videos, also highlighting the widespread interest and excitement surrounding the group’s latest comeback.

LE SSERAFIM’s strong performance on the charts is also a testament to their growing popularity and the dedication of their global fanbase. As they continue to break records and set new standards in the industry, fans also eagerly await what this talented group will achieve next.

The album ‘CRAZY’ and the title track of the same name were officially released on August 30, 2024.

Congratulations to LE SSERAFIM on their remarkable success!

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LE SSERAFIM Releases Cool ‘CRAZY’ Concept Photos

LE SSERAFIM is ramping up excitement for their much-anticipated comeback with the release of their 4th mini-album. The girl group has just released a series of cool ‘CRAZY’ concept photos.

LE SSERAFIM Hypes Up Comeback with ‘CRAZY’ Concept Photos

As the group continues to build momentum, they dropped a fresh set of teasers at midnight KST on August 18, including stunning concept photos and a concept film that give fans a tantalizing glimpse into the album’s theme and aesthetic.

This comeback is particularly significant for LE SSERAFIM as they aim to move past recent controversies and make a strong statement with ‘CRAZY’. In July, the group faced challenges when their agency, SOURCE Music, decided to take legal action against Min Hee-jin, the CEO of ADOR. The lawsuit, filed in Seoul Western District Court, seeks 500 million won (approximately $395,000 USD) in damages for defamation, business interference, and insult that SOURCE Music alleges were caused by Min Hee-jin. The legal battle has drawn considerable attention, with the possibility that the amount claimed could increase as the case progresses.

Despite these challenges, LE SSERAFIM remains focused on their music and connecting with their fans. The teasers for ‘CRAZY’ have been well-received, showcasing the group’s signature blend of boldness and elegance. The concept photos reveal a striking visual style, while the concept film hints at the intense and dynamic energy that fans can expect from the album. LE SSERAFIM’s dedication to their craft and their ability to channel their experiences into their music are evident as they prepare to make a powerful comeback.

The release of ‘CRAZY’ is scheduled for August 30 at midnight EST, and it is already shaping up to be a milestone in LE SSERAFIM’s career. As the group continues to evolve and navigate the complexities of the K-pop industry, this mini-album also promises to solidify their place in the spotlight and demonstrate their resilience and artistry. Fans also eagerly await the new music, confident that LE SSERAFIM will deliver a comeback that is both impactful and unforgettable.

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LE SSERAFIM Sakura Regrets Becoming an Idol

Sakura has opened up about her regrets. Sadly, the LE SSERAFIM member admitted that one of them happens to be becoming an idol.

LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Reveals Regrets in Life

On July 30, a post titled “LE SSERAFIM SAKURA ‘I Don’t Know Why I Chose To Be An Idol’” rapidly gained attention online. Within an hour of its upload, the post had already garnered over 680 responses, reflecting the intense interest and mixed reactions from the public.

The post featured an article that discussed LE SSERAFIM’s recent documentary. In the documentary, Sakura tearfully expressed her regret over becoming an idol. She revealed that the constant criticism had led her to lose her confidence, and she questioned her decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

I don’t know why I chose to be an idol. For what? Rather than say that it was the wrong choice, I want to ask if being an idol is what I do best. Whenever I make a mistake I think to myself that had I chosen something else, I, too, could have been good at something,” she said.

“No matter what anyone says, I feel happiest when I am an idol, so I felt it wasn’t right for me to doubt and question myself because I am not talented,” Sakura added. “I never had those thoughts but when I hear what people say, I sometimes think these things. I wonder why I am doing this to myself when I am crying and struggling so much.”

Netizens React to Sakura’s Confession

Sakura’s candid confession was highlighted in the article, capturing the emotional turmoil she has faced. Despite her tearful admission, many netizens reacted unsympathetically. They criticized both Sakura and her agency, HYBE, accusing them of playing the victim card. Comments suggested that, given her success and the financial rewards of being an idol, she had little right to complain. The general sentiment was that many people would love to be in her position, making her regrets seem ungrateful to some.

The backlash illustrates the complex and often harsh reality of public life for idols, where vulnerability can be met with scorn rather than support. While Sakura’s openness about her struggles aimed to shed light on the pressures faced by idols, it also sparked a broader discussion about the expectations and criticisms that come with fame.

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NewJeans Condolence Wreaths Protest Organized by “Bunnies”

Fans supporting ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin organize a NewJeans condolence wreaths protest, ignoring internal and external criticism

NewJeans’ fans, known as “Bunnies,” plan to protest at HYBE’s headquarters by sending condolence wreaths, a gesture traditionally used for funerals. The protest, scheduled from July 30 to August 1, reflects tensions between fans loyal to ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE over ongoing conflicts. Despite knowing this event clashes with a LE SSERAFIM member’s birthday celebration at the same location, organizers decided to proceed, drawing significant criticism.

Members of the NewJeans gallery on DC Inside, an online community supportive of Min Hee Jin, initiated the protest. They announced the event on July 27, two weeks after LE SSERAFIM’s fans revealed plans for Kim Chae Won’s birthday festivities at HYBE, which include a “wrapping bus” and other celebratory activities.

The public argues that sending condolence wreaths during a birthday event creates a disturbing contrast, but organizers dismissed these concerns. LE SSERAFIM’s fans requested a change in the protest date, but NewJeans fans refused, pointing out that BTS’s fandom, ARMY, held a similar protest during a NewJeans member’s birthday. This is just among the controversies that pile up in relation to Min Hee Jin and HYBE.

Protest supporters believe their demonstration doesn’t directly involve LE SSERAFIM and should not interfere with the birthday event. However, many K-pop fans fear this protest could harm NewJeans’ reputation and create unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, tensions within HYBE remain high as Min Hee Jin faces separate legal battles with Source Music CEO So Sung Jin, who has accused her of embezzlement and filed a lawsuit demanding 500 million KRW (approximately 361,724 USD) in damages.

As the protest approaches, the K-pop community continues to monitor how both fandoms handle these overlapping events. The outcome could set a precedent for future fan demonstrations and their impact on K-pop artists.

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LE SSERAFIM Agency Files Lawsuit Against Min Hee Jin

LE SSERAFIM agency SOURCE Music has initiated legal action against Min Hee-jin, the CEO of Ador.

Min Hee Jin Faces New Lawsuit Filed by LE SSERAFIM Agency

According to reports from the legal community on July 15th, SOURCE Music recently filed a lawsuit in the Seoul Western District Court, seeking 500 million won (approximately $395,000 USD) in damages for defamation, business interference, and insult allegedly caused by Min Hee-jin. This amount could potentially increase as it currently represents only a portion of the total damages claimed by SOURCE Music.

The lawsuit revolves around three primary issues. Firstly, Min Hee-jin claimed that she personally cast the members of NewJeans. Secondly, she made a unilateral decision to debut NewJeans as HYBE’s first girl group. Thirdly, she asserted that SOURCE Music neglected the members of NewJeans.

It’s a well-known fact that some members of NewJeans were former trainees of SOURCE Music. Min Hee-jin has accused SOURCE Music of neglecting these trainees and expressed her dissatisfaction with LE SSERAFIM’s debut preceding that of NewJeans. During her first press conference on April 25th, Min Hee-jin remarked, “We were neglected when managed by SOURCE,” and “All members joined HYBE because of me.” SOURCE Music claims these comments led to rumors suggesting that LE SSERAFIM received preferential treatment, which caused severe online harassment and damage to their reputation.

In response to these allegations, SOURCE Music has reportedly submitted evidence to support their claims. This evidence includes instances where Min Hee-jin, serving as a brand manager, allegedly delayed NewJeans’ debut schedule and acknowledged LE SSERAFIM’s earlier debut. Furthermore, the evidence encompasses examples of damages caused by negative online comments stemming from Min Hee-jin’s remarks.

This legal battle underscores the tensions within the K-pop industry and highlights the complexities involved in managing and debuting new groups. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike, eager to see how these allegations and the accompanying legal proceedings unfold.

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LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Performs AKB48 Song at Japanese Fan Meeting

Sakura’s iconic song “Yume de Kiss me!” was a highlight at LE SSERAFIM’s first fan meeting in Japan. Titled LE SSERAFIM FAN MEETING ‘FEARNADA’ 2024 S/S – JAPAN, the event took place at the Kobe World Memorial Hall on June 29 and 30. The fan meeting featured a wide range of activities that kept fans entertained for almost two hours.

The fan meeting saw the girl group’s five members—Hong Eunchae, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Kim Chaewon, and Sakura herself—acting as superheroes out to fix problems faced by their fans, FEARNOT. Each member got a chance to showcase their unique talents, and Sakura’s performance of “Yume de Kiss me!” stood out as a special moment.

@.lliza_ssi

“Yume de Kiss Me” 2024 version #sakura #miyawakisakura #miyawakisakuralesserafim #ffyypp #ffyypp

♬ Perfect Night – LE SSERAFIM

Synonymous with Sakura

“Yume de Kiss me!” is a solo song from AKB48’s Team A 7th Stage “M.T. ni Sasagu” setlist. It was one of many stages Sakura and the other members of AKB48’s Team A would perform at their theater, located in the Don Quijote building in Akihabara, Tokyo. Written by Yasushi Akimoto (who also wrote IZ*ONE’s Japanese songs), composed by Rie, and arranged by Ikuta Machine, the song has become synonymous with Sakura among AKB48 fans, as she was the first to perform it.

This isn’t the first time LE SSERAFIM has brought back “Yume de Kiss me!” at a fan meeting. On March 19, at their FEARNADA 2023 fan meeting at the Olympic Park in Seoul, the other members surprised Sakura with a performance of the song on her 25th birthday. They also presented her with a cake and tiara.

@48timee

Beberapa waktu lalu Le Sserafim melaksanakan fanmeet, dalam event itu juga turut dirayakan milad Sakura. Sakura dan member Le Sserafim menyanyikan lagu “Yume de Kiss Me” yang mana pernah dinyanyikan Sakura saat menjadi member HKT48 tahun 2016 silam. | #hkt48 #lesserafim #sakurahkt48 #sakuralesserafim #yumedekissme #miyawakisakura

♬ suara asli – It’s Time For 48Group – It’s Time For 48Group

Improved vocals

Overall, the fan meeting saw LE SSERAFIM perform ten songs, including hits like “Smart,” “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” and “EASY.” They also performed Japan-specific tracks like “Choices” from their first Japanese single FEARLESS. Additionally, they thrilled fans with renditions of “1-800-hot-n-fun” and “Jewelry (Prod. Imase),” which they performed in Japan for the first time.

It was during the game segment that Sakura, backed by Hong Eunchae and Kazuha, got up to perform “Yume de Kiss me!” for the crowd. Fans noted that the recording she danced to was different from previous versions of the song. However, they couldn’t put their finger on why. It wasn’t until later, during a live broadcast after the show, that the group revealed Sakura re-recorded the song. Fans praised her for her improved vocals.


Following Kobe and two performances in Nagoya, the tour will continue on July 13-15 at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, and July 30-31 at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A. Hopefully, Sakura keeps performing “Yume de Kiss me!” at every stop! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The song will forever be associated with Sakura. Source: X/@sakura_chart.

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LE SSERAFIM Preparing for August Comeback

On June 28, Source Music officially confirmed that LE SSERAFIM is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback, aiming for a release towards the end of August. This announcement comes amidst growing excitement from fans and industry observers alike, eagerly awaiting the group’s return after a six-month hiatus since their last release, the third mini album “EASY” in February.

The news was initially reported by SPOTV News, sparking speculation and anticipation within the K-pop community about what LE SSERAFIM has in store for their upcoming comeback. Source Music, the agency managing LE SSERAFIM, emphasized that while preparations are underway, they will provide more details, including the precise comeback date, in due course.

LE SSERAFIM, known for their distinct style and captivating performances, has steadily built a dedicated fanbase since their debut. With each release, they have showcased versatility and growth, contributing to their rising popularity in the competitive K-pop industry. As anticipation mounts, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the concept, music style, and overall direction of their new release.

The timing of LE SSERAFIM’s comeback towards the end of August suggests strategic planning by Source Music to maximize visibility and impact in the music scene. As they prepare to unveil new music, expectations are high for the group to deliver another memorable and successful comeback, further solidifying their position in the industry.

As fans await further announcements and teasers leading up to the comeback, the buzz surrounding LE SSERAFIM continues to grow, reflecting the group’s influence and the anticipation for what promises to be a significant moment in their career. Stay tuned for more updates as LE SSERAFIM prepares to captivate audiences once again with their music and performance prowess.

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LE SSERAFIM Eunchae Criticized For Talking About ‘Pressure to Perform Well’

LE SSERAFIM Eunchae has recently faced renewed interest and criticism over a statement she made during the group’s Weverse magazine interview for their “EASY” album. The scrutiny comes amid heightened public attention and criticism towards the group.

LE SSERAFIM Eunchae Faces Criticism For Honest Statement

In the interview, Eunchae candidly expressed the pressure she feels to perform well because they come from HYBE Labels, a company known for its massive success and influence in the K-pop industry. She admitted that it can be frustrating when the results don’t always seem to match the hard work the group puts in.

“We’re literally a team that came out of HYBE, and we’re working in a good environment, with good staff, so we feel like we should perform really well, and sometimes it’s overwhelming, because people only see the finished product, and if it’s not good, I feel guilty, and it’s hard to keep up. So I think the message in ‘EASY’ is the one I’m most confident about and the one I love the most, because it’s something I’ve wanted to say for a while, and I think there were a lot of times when my team worked hard and the results didn’t match up to the hard work we put in, and that makes me sad and frustrated, but now I’m thinking, ‘It’ll be cool if it works out later.’ So I’m trying to tell myself, ‘It’s no fun if it’s good from the beginning!’” – Hong Eunchae

The honest reflection resonated with many but also drew considerable criticism from netizens. The comments from netizens were notably harsh, with a significant portion of the feedback aligning with the criticism Eunchae and her groupmates have been receiving. A major point of contention has been LE SSERAFIM’s vocal performances, particularly during encore stages and their appearance at Coachella. Fans and critics alike have been vocal about their disappointment, suggesting that the group’s live singing did not meet the high standards expected from a HYBE-affiliated group.

LE SSERAFIM’s Previous Controversies

Adding fuel to the fire, reactions from other LE SSERAFIM members to the criticism have also been under scrutiny. For instance, Sakura’s response to negative comments about their Coachella performance has sparked further debate and dissatisfaction among fans and critics. Some felt that the group’s responses to the criticism lacked accountability or understanding of the fans’ concerns.

Eunchae’s statement about the disparity between their efforts and outcomes highlights the intense pressure and high expectations placed on K-pop idols, especially those from prominent labels like HYBE. While some fans empathize with the group’s struggles, others are less forgiving, expecting immediate perfection from such high-profile artists. The incident underscores the precarious nature of public perception in the K-pop industry, where artists are often subjected to rigorous standards and relentless scrutiny.

As LE SSERAFIM continues to navigate their career, they face the challenge of meeting these high expectations while staying true to their artistic journey. The situation highlights the broader issue of mental health and well-being in the entertainment industry, where the pressure to succeed can often overshadow the personal and collective growth of the artists. Going forward, how the group and their management address these criticisms and the expectations of their fanbase will be crucial in shaping their public image and career trajectory.

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