Past photos of LE SSERAFIM Sakura in what appears to be a date with AKB48's producer, who is 40 years her senior, has resurfaced online.
Keep on reading to know more.
LE SSERAFIM Sakura in Supposed Date With AKB48 Producer Yasushi Akimoto Draws Attention
Prior to competing on the Mnet survival program Produce 48, and subsequently debuting in its project girl group IZ*ONE from 2018 to 2021, and once again debuting as a member of HYBE and Source Music's group LE SSERAFIM, Sakura was a member of the popular Japanese girl group AKB48.
Sakura originally made her debut as a member of HKT48 back in 2011, before becoming a concurrent member of its sister group AKB48 from 2014 to 2018. Sakura was known as one of the most popular members of the Japanese girl groups.
LE SSERAFIM Sakura's final performance with HKT48 in 2018
But she officially graduated from the Japanese groups in June 2021, months after IZ*ONE's disbandment and after having a final performance with HKT48.
And after months of speculation, Sakura was confirmed to have signed an exclusive contract with HYBE and Source Music for their girl group LE SSERAFIM, that successfully debuted back in May of this year.
LE SSERAFIM
While Sakura is now focusing on her activities with LE SSERAFIM and is enjoying the group's success, netizens are digging up Sakura's past from her J-pop idol days.
In particular, over on the online community forum Nate Pann, a post entitled "LE SSERAFIM Sakura dating a 50-year-old man" is drawing attention.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LE SSERAFIM Sakura Opens Up About Being Told She Can't Sing- Here's How It Affected Her
Yasushi Akimoto (left) and LE SSERAFIM Sakura (right)
In this post, the netizen shared several past photos of Sakura in what is supposedly a date with an older man at a restaurant and at a concert.
The man in question was identified to be AKB48's creator and producer Yasushi Akimoto, who was born in 1958, and making him 40 years older than Sakura, who was born in 1998.
LE SSERAFIM Sakura and Yasushi Akimoto (encircled)
Sakura's Relationship With Yasushi Akimoto Remain a Mystery
In addition, Yasushi Akimoto has been married since 1988 to a former member of J-pop group Onyanko Club, which he also created and produced.
LE SSERAFIM Sakura (left) and Yasushi Akimoto (right)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LE SSERAFIM Kim Chaewon Branded As 'Anti-Japanese' For Using THIS Product
However, at the time when the photos of Sakura and Yasushi Akimoto were spread online back in September 2018, neither parties involved commented on the matter, leaving their supposed romantic relationship unanswered, or if they were really on a date at the time.
As of this writing, Sakura's agency Source Music has yet to comment on the resurfacing photos.
Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM is currently preparing to make their first-ever comeback with their upcoming mini album "ANTIFRAGILE" on October 17.
Do you think they were on a date?
For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Robyn Joan
