Korean netizens and international fans are discussing the backlash regarding LE SSERAFIM's Coachella performance, which they claimed was the topic that drew the biggest hate train in the fourth-gen K-pop.
The incident has since made it to news outlets in South Korea.
LE SSERAFIM Coachella Performance Reported by K-Media, Netizens Reflect on Incident's Seriousness
On April 13, the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was graced by LE SSERAFIM, who performed several of their hits such as "ANTIFRAGILE," "Perfect Night," "Fire in the belly," "EASY," "FEARLESS," "UNFORGIVEN," "SMART," and many more.
Unfortunately, the internet grasped some of the "poor" highlights of the group's performance, as it went viral on various social media platforms and online communities. Backlash and criticism came at both ends due to the group's live singing skills.
Online, netizens sent divided reactions on the group's Coachella stage. Some gave constructive insights as to how the group can improve over time, with many suggesting HYBE give more vocal lessons to the quintet.
Others were neutral, saying that while LE SSERAFIM was an exciting inclusion in one of the biggest music festivals in the world, they claimed the group was still not prepared for a large event like Coachella.
As if that wasn't enough, the fire was fanned on April 15, when one of the highly criticized members, Sakura, took her thoughts on platform Weverse and defended LE SSERAFIM's Coachella performance.
After her letter was uploaded, FEARNOTs expressed support for the idol, but some netizens were irked with Sakura's actions, causing more criticism towards her and LE SSERAFIM.
This was trailed by stans bringing up the authenticity of live vocals in K-pop, including the overall talent of K-pop groups under HYBE. The hate train continued to exist as LE SSERAFIM was slathered with harsh comments in every online post.
Eventually, on April 16, K-netz gathered in an online community, where they shared that the incident made headlines in South Korea.
- "LE SSERAFIM who stood on the Coachella stage.. 'Noisy' singing ability"
- "They seemed out of breath after the first half"
- "Was it just sound or a song?"
Here's how Korean netizens reacted:
- "The kids who are gathering PDFs, are you going to put the news in your PDF too?"
- "Whether it's the fans or the members, they all look like they're part of a cult. Just looking at the things they post on Weverse, I got goosebumps."
- "That 'is it sound or a song' comment was hilarious."
- "All things aside, if Korea is going to send a group to represent us out in the world, it's true that they should've practiced more.
- "Everyone is going 'K-pop' 'K-pop' now and these kids are no joke either. This was so disappointing."
- "Disgraceful"
International fans then claimed LE SSERAFIM as the group who received the biggest hate train in the fourth-gen. Others voiced how tired they were with the onslaught against the quintet.
- "I think this is the biggest hate train a 4th gen group has gotten in history."
- "All these people are such losers. this has gone way too far for no reason at all."
- "Ifans aren't any better trying to drag them and whatnot for some Twitter likes and the laughs all y'all are pathetic and vile."
- "Meanwhile idk how many times I have to say it but everyone who went enjoyed themselves and that was all."
- "I don't know, it's ridiculous. Dragging them to the point of appearing in news like there are no bigger problems to talk about."
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