LE SSERAFIM Sakura's Vocals at Coachella Praised By Japanese Fans — But K-Netz Have Mixed Reactions

While Japanese netizens have praised LE SSERAFIM Sakura's vocals during Coachella, Korean netizens are not as impressed.

Earlier this week, LE SSERAFIM performed their first weekend at this year's Coachella Music Festival. Anticipations were high, as the girls would be representing the K-pop genre on a global stage.

Sadly, they fell short, with many criticizing the girl group for their vocal ability.

However, it appears not everyone shares that sentiment.

Japanese Netizens Praise LE SSERAFIM Sakura's Vocals at Coachella

Following LE SSERAFIM's performance at Coachella, several Japanese creators shared Reels and TikTok videos of the members' performances. The one member that caught Japanese netizens' eyes the most was Sakura, as she has been an idol for over 14 years and had her start in the industry as a member of HKT48.

While most international and Korean netizens criticized Sakura for her vocals, Japanese netizens praised the female idol for how she performed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LE SSERAFIM's Coachella Performance Disappoints, Dubbed 'Worst Stage' Among K-pop Girl Groups

They believe she performed well and noted the improvements in her voice after practicing hard. They also noted that Sakura performed with confidence and were pleasantly surprised by how loudly she projected her vocals when, in the past, she was known to struggle and was often shaky.

Japanese netizens claim that Sakura used to have a delicate and feminine voice, but as she took people's criticism and practiced hard, her vocals became stronger. Some even claimed that they cried hearing Sakura sing and praised her for her hard work.

Some comments read:

• "Sakura was amazing. Her technique changed, so her voice changed too. As expected, Miyawaki pro is delivering good results!"
• "She is able to sing confidently, so she is able to enjoy herself on stage. Kkura noona, you worked hard!"
• "Seriously, I am not hating her, but I used to think Sakura struggled to sing, and she used to be so shaky. That's why I'm shocked that her voice is so loud now."
• "I cried watching Sakura sing so confidently."
• "Sakura used to have a feminine and delicate voice since she's so skinny. Now, her voice is strong and impressive."
• "The fact that she said, 'I don't sing well, but I practiced hard' was amazing."

Korean Netizens React to J-Netz Praising LE SSERAFIM Sakura's Coachella Performance

Many people couldn't believe that this was the reaction Sakura was getting in Japan, with some asking if they were being sarcastic. As the reactions in Japan are widely different from what she is receiving in South Korea, many have become interested in how the standards differ.

CHECK THIS OUT: Sakura Faces Backlash for Defending LE SSERAFIM's Coachella Performance: 'That's Why You're Not Getting Better'

While people note that Sakura did perform better than co-members Hong Eunchae and Kazuha at the time, Korean netizens believe the praise is due to the skill level of idols active in Japan. Japanese idols tend to prioritize fan interaction, while Korean idols focus on performance skills. Because of that, they may be impressed with Sakura's growth.

However, some believe Japanese netizens are supporting Sakura simply because she is Japanese herself.

Some comments read,

• "But I have to admit she did better than Eunchae and Kazuha this time."
• "It's because of Japanese idols' levels that they are praising Sakura. If you watched 'Produce 48,' you'd know that Japanese idols freaking suck."
• "For real? Wow."
• "I have a friend who lives in Japan, and she said that the reactions are exactly like that. Sakura is really popular in Japan."
• "Japanese people are all the same."
• "Are they not being saracastic? What interesting reactions."
• "But it's true she is better than what she used to be."

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez