The online community erupted in controversy as accusations surfaced against SOURCE MUSIC, alleging the sale of signed pre-order benefits belonging to LE SSERAFIM's Sakura. The situation escalated swiftly, prompting a response from the magazine publication involved.

New Photos Trigger Debate: Herdes Magazine Shoot Unleashes Mixed Reactions

On February 12, anticipation grew as new photos of Sakura emerged from an upcoming photoshoot with the Chinese magazine, Herdes. While fans eagerly awaited the visual feast, debates ensued over the editing choices applied to the images.

As excitement turned to dismay, fans voiced their concerns online when reports emerged that a SOURCE MUSIC staff member was allegedly profiting from the sale of signed polaroids intended for fans. The location of the purported sales, Yongsan, raised eyebrows, as it coincided with SOURCE MUSIC's headquarters.

Initial reports suggested that Sakura had taken a dozen polaroids, of which only four were intended for distribution as benefits, leaving eight allegedly unaccounted for. Outraged fans demanded accountability from the company, seeking clarity on the situation.

Fans have found out that staffs from Source Music are selling the unreleased signed polaroid photos of Sakura which are supposedly benefits for HERDES

The signed polaroids are being sold at 1.5 million won per piece at a second-hand trading platform

Explain @SOURCEMUSIC??? pic.twitter.com/V15Gt34fge

— joe (@elsserafim) February 12, 2024

#JusticeForSakura trends after her company @SOURCEMUSIC is alleged to have stolen her magazine Polaroid benefits and sold them online for profit ($1127 usd each)#사쿠라 #SAKURA #TREAT_SAKURA_BETTER pic.twitter.com/z1yzzENp1T

— sakura pics (@picsofsakura) February 12, 2024

Fans have found out that staffs from @SOURCEMUSIC are selling the unreleased signed polaroid photos of Sakura which are supposedly benefits for HERDES magazine.

The polaroids are being sold at 1.5 million won per piece at a second-hand trading platform this is about 1130$.… pic.twitter.com/B1CVYjYQDS

— LE SSERAFIM INTERNATIONAL TEAM🍋 (@LSRFM_SUPP_TEAM) February 12, 2024

HERDES 잡지 A/B버전 구성 #사쿠라 pic.twitter.com/sfZLvHgcxr

— MEOW (@1998_03_19) February 12, 2024

READ ALSO: Source Music Confirms Former IZ*ONE Members Miyawaki Sakura, Kim Chaewon Signed Exclusive Contracts

Publication Responds: Herdes Addresses Allegations

Amidst the growing discourse, Herdes magazine stepped into the fray. In a communication with a concerned fan, the publication extended apologies for the controversy and assured that an investigation had been conducted.

#RT pic.twitter.com/Ai8xqYZvWJ

— MEOW (@1998_03_19) February 12, 2024

pic.twitter.com/nVbOO1S2DZ

— MEOW (@1998_03_19) February 12, 2024

According to their findings, none of the polaroids in question had been sold; all had been duly handed over to SOURCE MUSIC. In a bid to quell the misunderstandings surrounding the issue, Herdes requested the dissemination of their message to provide clarity on the matter.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.