Amid school violence controversy involving Kim Garam, a media outlet revealed two reasons HYBE won't "kick out" the idol from LE SSERAFIM.
HYBE Stock Price Plummets Amid Kim Garam's School Violence Controversy
In context, Kim Garam was embroiled in allegations of school violence even before LE SSERAFIM's debut on May 2. Despite this, Source Music under HYBE pushed ahead with her debut.
Although the group received rave reviews for their skills and visuals, opinions on Kim Garam didn't change as the victim unveiled more "proofs" to the bullying speculations.
As of May 23, HYBE announced the "FEARLESS" singer's temporary break from LE SSERAFIM and decided to proceed as a five-member system for the time being and focus on the idol's psychological healing.
ALSO READ: LE SSERAFIM ‘FEARLESS’ Performance Without Kim Garam Garners Praise
Looking at this, Kim Garam is currently a source of anxiety for HYBE and LE SSERAFIM. If the young idol leaves the team and the group permanently reorganizes into a five-member group, the controversy is expected to end.
Unfortunately, this issue seemed to take a toll on HYBE's performance already. As of the first half of 2022, the company's stock price is lower than in 2021. Last year, it exceeded 400,000 won per share, but recently it has remained in the low 200,000 won range.
The securities and financial industry believe that the controversy over LE SSERAFIM has had a negative impact. This is because with the recent rise of the global Korean Wave, the social influence of K-pop idols has increased, and the demand for morality and others for them is also increasing.
What Are Reasons HYBE Can't Give Up on LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam?
Nevertheless, HYBE decided to take on Kim Garam and respond with a long discussion. The Korean media outlet Newsis explained that one reason is that Kim Garam's departure will blow the proportion of the team.
Although favorable reviews continue on SBS TV's "Inkigayo" stage the day after Kim Garam went into hiatus and first performed "FEARLESS" as a five-member group, the team is strategically made by HYBE into a six-member group.
This means that HYBE and Source Music already have plans for future activities suitable for six members.
"However, if one member is missing from such a master plan, there may be an error in the big picture. In addition, the efforts of HYBE to make Kim Garam's debut should be taken into account."
The second reason is that Kim Garam's controversy might actually be just an exaggeration of rumors.
Initially, HYBE acknowledges and apologizes that some of Kim Garam's words and actions are wrong, but denies most rumors, calling them "malicious attacks."
In the past, some idols were accused of being school bullies but later on turned out to be false such as in the case of former Wanna One Park Jihoon in 2017.
The media outlet conveyed that HYBE is considering the fact that there is a possibility that someone may attack rumors with malice and cause a well-intentioned victim among celebrities.
For this reason, it is widely believed that Kim Garam's fault should be clearly examined at this opportunity.
An official from the idol industry said:
"We should first examine whether Kim Garam's past mistakes can seek public understanding. It's a pity that we have to distinguish it legally, but we have to make sure it's for the victims. The same goes for Kim Garam herself. If you do something wrong, you have to take responsibility for it yourself. After that, we'll have to judge whether she can be active or not."
READ MORE: Lawyer Asks How Kim Garam Was Selected To Join LE SSERAFIM Despite THIS Reason
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Written by Eunice Dawson
