LE SSERAFIM faces backlash over Coachella performance - here's how they responded to criticism

She expressed a strong desire to continue improving and becoming a better team.

LE SSERAFIM's recent performance at Coachella has generated significant attention, both for their onstage efforts and the subsequent reactions to their critics. Despite debuting less than two years ago and having only one tour under their belt, the group took to the Coachella stage with enthusiasm and determination, as expressed by member Sakura.

Reflecting on the experience, Sakura emphasised the hard work and dedication that went into preparing for the performance, acknowledging that while it may appear immature to some, it was their best effort to date. She expressed a strong desire to continue improving and becoming a better team.

Here's her statement:

We, who debuted less than two years ago and have only toured once, stood proudly on the Coachella stage, enjoyed ourselves, and gave our all to this performance.

That alone made it truly a day that defines both life and LE SSERAFIM life. But only you truly know what you have done.

I seriously prepared for this stage, struggled through it, and enjoyed it. On the day of the show, I believe I was able to show everything. To some eyes, it might appear immature, but no one is perfect for everyone, and it is an undeniable fact that, among all the stages we have shown, this was the best. That’s why I’m very excited to become a better team, and I really want to work even harder.

— LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura

However, the group's performances, particularly their vocal execution during encore stages and at Coachella, have been met with criticism. This scrutiny has extended to the statements made by the members in response to the backlash. A statement from Eunchae during a Weverse magazine interview for their album 'EASY' has drawn renewed attention. In the interview, Eunchae discussed the pressure to perform well, especially coming from a prominent company like HYBE Labels. She mentioned the frustration of their hard work not always yielding the expected results, but she also conveyed a hopeful attitude, believing that success will come with time and perseverance.

Here's a translation of her statement:

"We’re literally a team that came out of HYBE, and we’re working in a good environment, with good staff, so we feel like we should perform really well, and sometimes it’s overwhelming because people only see the finished product, and if it’s not good, I feel guilty, and it’s hard to keep up. So I think the message in ‘EASY’ is the one I’m most confident about and the one I love the most, because it’s something I’ve wanted to say for a while, and I think there were a lot of times when my team worked hard and the results didn’t match up to the hard work we put in, and that makes me sad and frustrated, but now I’m thinking, ‘It’ll be cool if it works out later.’ So I’m trying to tell myself, ‘It’s no fun if it’s good from the beginning!'” (laughs)

Netizens, however, have been less forgiving. Many pointed out that feeling pressure is a universal experience for K-Pop idols, and those from smaller labels often face even greater stress due to the precarious nature of their careers. Critics argued that being under a major label like HYBE provides inherent advantages, including better resources and visibility. Some comments highlighted the group's commercial success, questioning the discrepancy between their achievements in sales, streams, and charting, and the perceived deficiencies in their skills.

The reaction from netizens has been largely critical, with many suggesting that LE SSERAFIM should be more appreciative of the platform and the opportunities they have. The overarching sentiment is that the group’s statements seemed to downplay the struggles of idols from less prominent labels, who often work just as hard without the same level of recognition or support.