LE SSERAFIM (Hangul: 르세라핌; Katakana: ルセラフィム) is a South Korean group under Source Music that consists of five members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae. Originally as six, the group debuted on May 2, 2022 with their first mini album FEARLESS.
Name Meaning[]
The name "LE SSERAFIM" is an anagram of the phrase "I'm Fearless"; it implies self-confidence and strong will to move forward without being swayed by the world's gaze. It also references Seraphim, a six-winged heavenly creature, referencing the group's original six members.[5]
History[]
August 2021–April 2022: Pre-debut[]
On August 27, 2021, rumors surfaced that Sakura and Kim Chaewon were recruited by Source Music to join their new girl group. At the time, Sakura had just graduated from HKT48 and Chaewon was a trainee under Woollim Entertainment. Later that day, HYBE Labels released a brief statement that neither confirmed nor denied such rumors.[6] Later on, fans reported that Chaewon's profile was removed from Woollim Entertainment's official website and that Woollim was no longer listed as the agency she is under on her Daum and Naver profiles, leaving speculation that she had left the company and signed with HYBE.[7]
On August 19, 2021, it was reported that Sakura would be returning to Korea from Japan on August 23 to discuss a new contract with HYBE.[8][9] On September 23, it was reported that she had signed an exclusive contract with Source Music.[10] On August 24, it was reported that Huh Yunjin had been transferred from Pledis Entertainment to Source Music and she would be debuting in their upcoming girl group.[11]
On March 14, 2022, it was finally confirmed that Sakura and Chaewon had officially signed to Source Music and would be debuting in their upcoming girl group.[12] A week later, on March 21, Source Music confirmed their new girl group would be debuting in May.[13]
On March 25, Source Music started a 72-hour countdown through their official website with the page reading "IM FEARLESS", which would later revealed to be an anagram for the group's name, LE SSERAFIM.[14][15] Later that same day, it was reported that the group would have six members, including Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, two trainees from Source Music and a Dutch-based member personally recruited by the CEO of Source Music.[16]
On March 29, a project named "The First Moment of LE SSERAFIM" was revealed via Weverse, which would start with the reveal of the group's first member on April 4.[17] From April 4 through April 9, all members of the group were revealed, beginning with Sakura on April 4, followed by Kim Garam, Hong Eunchae, Kim Chaewon, Kazuha, and finally Huh Yunjin.[18][19][20][21][22][23] With their debut project, voice messages, signatures and exclusive photos of the members were revealed, as well as snippets of LE SSERAFIM's debut song through their official website.[24] It was later reported that 120,000 digital souvenirs were sold out during the project.[25]
On April 10 and 11, the videos "LE SSERAFIM 'Casting Call'" and "LE SSERAFIM 2022 'FEARLESS' SHOW" were released through HYBE Labels' official YouTube Channel, featuring the full group for the first time.[26][27]
May–July 2022: Debut with FEARLESS, webtoon, first music show win, Garam's hiatus and departure[]
On April 13, 2022, a teaser photo posted across the group's social medias announced they will make their official debut on May 2 with their first mini album, titled FEARLESS.[28][29] On April 19, their debut trailer titled "The World Is My Oyster" was released.[30] Within the first week of its pre-order period, FEARLESS had sold 270,000 copies; it was later reported that it had surpassed 380,000 copies a week later.[31][32] FEARLESS had broke the weekly sales record for a debut album by a girl group on Hanteo, selling 300,000 copies in its first week.[33] On May 2, the mini album, along with its title track of the same name, were released.
On April 29, it was reported that LE SSERAFIM would have their own webtoon titled "Crimson Heart", with "Blue Flame" from their debut album FEARLESS being the official theme song for the webtoon.[34]
Only eight days after debut, on May 10, 2022, LE SSERAFIM achieved their first-ever music show win with "FEARLESS" on SBS MTV's The Show.[35]
On May 20, Source Music announced that Garam will be going on hiatus from group activities due to bullying accusations made against her. Thus, LE SSERAFIM will be carrying out activities as 5 members for the time being.[36] Two months later, on July 20, Source Music announced they had terminated their exclusive contract with Garam, leading to her departure from the group.[37]
August–October 2022: Fandom name, first comeback with ANTIFRAGILE[]
On August 8, they revealed their official fandom name, “FEARNOT,” which is a homonym of “blooming” in Korean, carries a meaning that LE SSERAFIM marching forward fearlessly and fans who do “not fear” loving and supporting LE SSERAFIM come together to “bloom” every new moment.[2][38]
On August 9, member Yunjin released a self-composed and produced song called "Raise y_our glass" accompanied by a music video celebrating 100 days since the group's debut.[39][40]
On September 6, Source Music confirmed reports that the group is preparing for their first comeback, slated for release sometime in the fall.[41] A four-episode documentary series detailing their journey to debut was released on September 17 on HYBE LABELS' official YouTube channel.[42] Their second mini album, ANTIFRAGILE, was announced via social media platforms at midnight KST on September 19, to be released on October 17.[43] A trailer for ANTIFRAGILE, titled "The Hydra", was released on September 26.[44]
November 2022–May 2023: Japanese debut, first fan meeting, light stick, UNFORGIVEN[]
On November 24, 2022, LE SSERAFIM's Japanese social media accounts revealed that the group will make their Japanese debut on January 25, 2023, with their first single "FEARLESS".[45][46] The single was later certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for selling over 500,000 units, marking the first time ever that a K-pop group has done so with a debut single.[47]
On January 30, 2023, a logo motion teaser posted to the group's official social media accounts announced they will hold their first-ever fan meeting, "LE SSERAFIM FAN MEETING ‘FEARNADA’ 2023 S/S", on March 18 and 19 in South Korea.[48] On March 3, LE SSERAFIM teased their official light stick on their social media accounts.[49] The light stick was formally revealed during their fan meeting, and it was officially released on March 24.
On March 16, local news outlet Star News reported that LE SSERAFIM would be releasing an album in early May. Hours later, Source Music responded to the reports and stated that the comeback date will be revealed later.[50] On April 2, a video teaser posted to LE SSERAFIM's official YouTube channel announced they will make a comeback on May 1 with their first full-length album, titled UNFORGIVEN.[51]
June–November 2023: Second Japanese single, first concert tour, "Perfect Night"[]
On June 20, 2023, LE SSERAFIM's Japanese SNS accounts revealed the group will release their second Japanese single, "UNFORGIVEN" on August 23.[52] A week later, on June 27, a logo motion teaser posted across the group's social medias revealed plans for their first-ever concert tour, titled LE SSERAFIM TOUR 'FLAME RISES'.[53] The tour kicked on August 12 with a two-night stint at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.
On October 12, it was announced that LE SSERAFIM will release their fourth English digital single (and first original English song) titled "Perfect Night" on October 27.[54]
January–August 2024: EASY, CRAZY[]
On January 22, 2024, the group announced their third mini album, titled EASY, will be released on February 19.[55] On this day, the mini album and its title track of the same name were released.
On June 28, Source Music confirmed reports that LE SSERAFIM was preparing for a comeback, aiming for an August release.[56] Over a month later, on August 5, the group announced their fourth mini album, titled CRAZY, will be released on August 30.[57]
Members[]
Current[]
| Name | D.O.B | Nationality | Position(s) | Gemstone | Color | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sakura (사쿠라) |
March 19, 1998 (age 26) |
|
Vocalist, Rapper | Pink Diamond | Pink |
|
Kim Chaewon (김채원) |
August 1, 2000 (age 24) |
|
Leader, Vocalist, Dancer | Diamond | Silver |
|
Huh Yunjin (허윤진) |
October 8, 2001 (age 23) |
|
|
Vocalist | Emerald | Green |
|
Kazuha (카즈하) |
August 9, 2003 (age 21) |
|
Rapper, Dancer, Vocalist, Visual | Sapphire | Blue |
|
Hong Eunchae (홍은채) |
November 10, 2006 (age 18) |
|
Vocalist, Dancer, Maknae | Ruby | Red |
Former[]
| Name | D.O.B | Nationality | Position(s) | Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Garam (김가람) |
November 16, 2005 (age 19) |
|
Vocalist | May 2–July 20, 2022 |
Endorsements[]
Discography[]
Korean[]Studio albums[]
Mini albums[]
OSTs[]
Other releases[]English[]Digital Singles[]
Remix Singles[] |
Japanese[]Singles[]
Digital Singles[]
OSTs[]
|
Filmography[]
Concert Films[]
- 2023 LE SSERAFIM TOUR 'FLAME RISES' IN SEOUL (2024)
- 2023 LE SSERAFIM TOUR 'FLAME RISES' IN JAPAN (2024)
Documentaries[]
- LE SSERAFIM - The World Is My Oyster (YouTube, 2022)
- LE SSERAFIM - Make It Look Easy (YouTube, 2024)
Variety Shows[]
- LE SSERAFIM'S DAY OFF (YouTube, 2022–present)
- LE SSERAFIM Company (YouTube, 2022–present)
- LENIVERSE (YouTube, 2022–present)
- FIM-TEM Workshop (YouTube, 2022)
Reality Shows[]
- LE PLAY (YouTube, 2022–present)
- LE SSERAFIM EPISODE (YouTube, 2022–present)
- FIM-LOG (YouTube, 2022–present)
Concerts and Fan Meetings[]
Asia Tours[]
Fan Meetings[]
- LE SSERAFIM FAN MEETING ‘FEARNADA’ 2023 S/S (2023)
- LE SSERAFIM FAN MEETING 'FEARNADA' 2024 S/S (2024)
References[]
- ↑ EMI Records via UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 @IM_LESSERAFIM on Twitter (August 8, 2022)
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: LE SSERAFIM Announces Official Fan Club Name With Logo Video
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM Brand Identity - HuskyFox
- ↑ (KR) Newsis: 하이브 첫 걸그룹은 '르세라핌', 5월 데뷔…사쿠라·김채원 포함
- ↑ NME: HYBE reportedly to recruit IZ*ONE’s Kim Chae-won and Miyawaki Sakura for new girl group
- ↑ KpopStarz: Former IZ*ONE Member Kim Chaewon Removed from Woollim Entertainment Website
- ↑ Allkpop: HYBE responds to rumors of contract with former IZ*ONE member Miyawaki Sakura
- ↑ Soompi: Miyawaki Sakura Reportedly Returning To Korea To Discuss Contract With HYBE Labels + HYBE Responds
- ↑ (KR) StarNews: [단독]사쿠라, 하이브와 계약 완료..김민주는 '안갯속'
- ↑ Soompi: Heo Yun Jin From “Produce 48” Reported To Join New Source Music Girl Group + HYBE Comments
- ↑ Soompi: Former IZ*ONE Members Miyawaki Sakura And Kim Chae Won Confirmed To Join Source Music’s New Girl Group
- ↑ (KR) TopStar News: "‘하이브 산하 첫 걸그룹’ 사쿠라-김채원, 5월 데뷔…쏘스뮤직 측 “확정 되는 대로 공개” (공식입장)"
- ↑ WayBack Machine: SOURCE MUSIC - EVENT
- ↑ SOURCEMUSIC on Twitter: "IM FEARLESS COUNTDOWN START" (March 25, 2022)
- ↑ (KR) StarNews: 단독 - 사쿠라·김채원→네덜란드 발탁 멤버..하이브 新걸그룹 6인 확정
- ↑ Weverse: “The First Moment of LE SSERAFIM” Project Open Notice
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "SAKURA"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "KIM GARAM"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "HONG EUNCHAE"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "KIM CHAEWON"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "KAZUHA"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM "HUH YUNJIN"
- ↑ “The First Moment of LE SSERAFIM” Project Open Notice
- ↑ (KR) MDaily: 르세라핌, 디지털 수비니어 12만장 전량 소진…데뷔 기대감 증폭
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM “CASTING CALL”
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM 2022 "FEARLESS" SHOW
- ↑ Soompi: HYBE’s New Girl Group LE SSERAFIM Announces Debut Date And Details
- ↑ XSportsNews (KR): 르세라핌, 5월 2일 데뷔…하이브 ‘월클’ 제작진 총출동
- ↑ FEARLESS TRAILER 'The World Is My Oyster' - LE SSERAFIM
- ↑ Single List Korea (KOR): 레세라핌, 하이브 후광 효과? '피어리스' 선주문 27만장 돌파
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Surpasses 380,000 Stock Pre-Orders For Debut Album “FEARLESS”
- ↑ (KR) TenAsia: 르세라핌, 'FEARLESS' 30만 장 돌파…역대 걸그룹 데뷔 앨범 초동 1위
- ↑ (KR) OSEN: 르세라핌, 벌써 '핫'하다..'FEARLESS'로 들려줄 '진짜 나'의 이야기
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Takes 1st-Ever Win On “The Show” With “FEARLESS”; Performances By WOODZ, CLASS:y, And More
- ↑ @SOURCEMUSIC on Twitter (May 20, 2022)
- ↑ @SOURCEMUSIC on Twitter (July 20, 2022)
- ↑ Weverse: [NOTICE] Announcement on LE SSERAFIM’s Official Fandom Name “FEARNOT”
- ↑ SoundCloud: HUH YUNJIN of LE SSERAFIM - ‘Raise y_our glass’
- ↑ HUH YUNJIN of LE SSERAFIM - ‘Raise y_our glass’ on YouTube
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Confirmed To Be Preparing For Comeback
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM releases heartbreaking documentary "The World Is My Oyster"
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM via Twitter: NOTICE - LE SSERAFIM ‘ANTIFRAGILE’ 발매 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ANTIFRAGILE TRAILER 'The Hydra'
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM JP on Twitter (November 24, 2022)
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM To Make Official Japanese Debut In 2023
- ↑ Soompi: BTS Earns RIAJ Million Certification + LE SSERAFIM, NCT DREAM, And Stray Kids Go Platinum
- ↑ LE SSERAFIM on Twitter: January 30, 2023
- ↑ Twitter: LE SSERAFIM OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK Teaser
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM’s Agency Responds To Reports Of May Comeback
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: LE SSERAFIM Announces Comeback Date With Teaser For 1st Full-Length Album “UNFORGIVEN”
- ↑ @le_sserafim_jp on Twitter (June 20, 2023)
- ↑ YouTube: LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘FLAME RISES’ LOGO MOTION
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Announces Return With New Single “Perfect Night” + Drops 1st Teaser
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Announces February Comeback Date With 1st Teaser For “EASY”
- ↑ Soompi: LE SSERAFIM Confirmed To Be Preparing For August Comeback
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: LE SSERAFIM Announces August Comeback Date With Powerful Teaser For "CRAZY"
- ↑ Naver (KR):르세라핌, 광동제약 '비타500 제로' 모델 발탁
- ↑ Kpopping: LE SSERAFIM Selected as Model for Goobne Pizza
- ↑ Teen Vogue: K-pop Group LE SSERAFIM Are Louis Vuitton's New House Ambassadors