LE SSERAFIM member Sakura shared a heartfelt post to Weverse following backlash against the group's Coachella performance.
On April 14, 2024, LE SSERAFIM took to the Coachella stage and performed several of their hit songs, as well as the unreleased track "1-800-hot-n-fun." While the group was praised for their charisma on stage, they received a myriad of backlash over their live vocal ability.
Amid the chaos, Sakura released a post touching on the matter. Keep reading for all the details.
LE SSERAFIM Sakura Opens Up Amid Group's Coachella Backlash in Latest Post
Sakura recently shared a post in Japanese with Weverse, talking about LE SSERAFIM's latest Coachella performance.
At the start of her post, she laments over the meaning of performing on a stage as big as Choachella. Sakura expressed her desire to perform on a stage that engages the crowd—one that they will remember for a lifetime. She wanted this to be especially true for those discovering LE SSERAFIM through Coachella.
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She then takes the time to address the criticism she received over her vocals. In her post, Sakura acknowledged that everyone has their own perspective and that people's opinions can differ widely. Despite that, she believed that LE SSERAFIM was able to give a performance that everyone would remember.
The idol also briefly touched on the fact that after their performance, LE SSERAFIM was compared to other K-pop acts who performed at Coachella before them. Previously, media outlets compared LE SSERAFIM's set to BLACKPINK and aespa's performances.
Read also: LE SSERAFIM's Coachella Performance Disappoints, Dubbed 'Worst Stage' Among K-pop Girl Groups
Sakura then revealed that she received compliments from festivalgoers, which was incredibly different from the reception the girls were receiving online. She reveals that being able to perform on a stage that festivalgoers loved is a great memory for her. She ends her letter by thanking the staff that helped organize their set, as well as the fans who support them.
Read LE SSERAFIM Sakura's Full Post Here
"From the preparations leading up to Coachella to the moment we stepped onto the stage, I learned many new things.
What does it truly mean to stand on stage?
Is it about showing a flawless image?
Is it about captivating the audience?
Or is it simply about executing the performance flawlessly, without a single mistake?
The standards may differ from person to person, and they may also vary depending on the type of stage. My goal was to create a performance that would be incredibly enjoyable, even for those who were unfamiliar with us, those hearing our songs for the first time. I wanted to perform on a stage that would leave a lasting impression, making everyone feel that today was an unforgettable day. And I believe that my determination shone through, allowing us to deliver our best performance.
For us, who debuted less than two years ago and have only toured once, we stood poudly on the Coachella stage, giving our all to the performance and enjoying ourselves.
This was a defining moment in both my life and LE SSERAFIM. FEARNOTs, you will also encounter numerous challenges and injustices in life. But only you truly know the efforts you have put in.
I dedicated myself to preparing for this stage, faced its challenges head-on, and enjoyed it. On the day of the performance, I believe I put everything on the stage. While some may think of it as imperfect, nobody is flawless in everyone's eyes, and it's undeniable that, among all the stages we've done, this was our best. That's why I'm excited to grow as a team and am eager to work even harder.
What you gain from comparing yourself with others versus comparing yourself with your past self is totally different. Even when life feels overwhelming, seek out something you genuinely love in this difficult world and focus on the positives—the things that bring you joy.
Embracing the positives isn't indulgence—it's your right to shape your life according to what you want.
As I walked around the Coachella grounds today, several people approached me and said, 'Your performance yesterday was incredible!' Their words touched me deeply. The fact that the audience enjoyed themselves till the very end, singing along and sharing such a wonderful space, is a cherished memory for me.
No matter what anyone thinks, I trust my own feelings. That's what has brought me this far. I won't betray myself, and I will continue to have faith in my abilities. I am immensely grateful to all the staff, dancers, band members, and everyone involved in bringing this performance to life.
And to the FEARNOTs who rushed to the stage and those who watched us via stream, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your presence filled me with pride as I performed. Thank you, truly. As we move forward, I will strive to present you with extraordinary experiences, so please continue to support us. Thank you so much, Coachella!!! We'll keep pushing forward next week too!!! "
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Written by Alexa Lopez