Le Sserafim (/lə ˈsɛrəfɪm/ SERR-ə-fim;[4] Korean: 르세라핌; RR: Reuserapim; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by Source Music. The group consists of five members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae.

Quick Facts Background information, Origin ...
Le Sserafim
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Le Sserafim in June 2022
L-R: Kazuha, Yunjin, Sakura, Chaewon, and Eunchae
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
GenresK-pop
Years active2022–present
Labels
Members
Past membersGaram
WebsiteOfficial website
Korean name
Hangul르세라핌
Transcriptions
Revised RomanizationReuserapim
McCune–ReischauerLŭserap'im
Japanese name
Katakanaル・セラフィム
Transcriptions
Revised HepburnRu Serafimu
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Le Sserafim debuted on May 2, 2022, with the extended play Fearless, which broke the record for the highest-selling debut album by a K-pop girl group in first-day sales. It was followed in October with their second extended play, Antifragile, which became the group's first release to sell over a million copies and made them the fastest K-pop girl group to debut on the US Billboard 200. Both EPs' title tracks reached the top ten of South Korea's Circle Digital Chart and were certified platinum for streaming in South Korea and Japan.

Le Sserafim's first studio album, Unforgiven (2023), marked their first number-one album on the Circle Album Chart and their first top-ten album on the Billboard 200. The album's singles "Unforgiven" and "Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard's Wife" peaked at number two in South Korea and were certified gold for streaming in Japan. The group's first English single "Perfect Night" (2023) became their first number-one song on the Circle Digital Chart, topping the chart for six weeks. In 2024, Le Sserafim earned their second number-one album in South Korea and top-ten album on the Billboard 200 with their third extended play Easy. The EP's title track was their first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Name

The group's name, Le Sserafim, is an anagram of the phrase "I'm Fearless"[5] as well as a reference to the heavenly beings with six wings, seraphim.[6]

History

2011–2021: Pre-debut activities

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From left to right: Sakura, Chaewon, and Yunjin during Produce 48 in 2018

Sakura made her acting debut in the movie Ano Hito Ano Hi in 2011.[7][unreliable source?] That year, she joined the Japanese idol group HKT48 as a first generation trainee. She was promoted to a full member of HKT48 Team H in 2012 and transferred to HKT48 Team KIV in 2014. After being with the group for 10 years, Sakura officially graduated on June 27, 2021.[8][9]

Sakura, Kim Chaewon and Huh Yunjin participated in the reality competition series Produce 48 in 2018.[10][11][12] Yunjin represented Pledis Entertainment, which at the time was not owned by Hybe Corporation, Source Music's parent company, while Chaewon represented Woollim Entertainment, her former label.[13][14] After finishing in second and tenth place, respectively, Sakura and Chaewon were named to the final lineup of the show's project girl group Iz*One,[15] promoting as members until its disbandment on April 29, 2021.[16][17] Yunjin finished in 26th place and was eliminated in episode 11.[18]

Prior to joining the group, Kazuha trained as a professional ballerina. After passing an audition, she was personally scouted by Big Hit Music founder Bang Si-hyuk during her studies at Dutch National Ballet Academy in the Netherlands.[19] Kazuha also previously attended the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow, Russia and the Royal Ballet School in the United Kingdom.[20]

Hong Eunchae was a student at Def Dance School for two years. She previously auditioned for JYP Entertainment and Pledis Entertainment before joining Source Music in 2021.[21]

2022: Fearless, Kim Garam's departure, and Antifragile

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Le Sserafim's official logo

On March 14, Source Music announced that they would launch a new girl group, with Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chaewon set to be the first members.[22][23] On March 21, Hybe confirmed the group would officially debut in May.[24] The members were revealed in "The First Moment of Le Sserafim" teasers from April 4 to April 9 (in order: Sakura,[25] Kim Garam,[26] Hong Eunchae,[27] Kim Chaewon,[28] Kazuha,[29] and Huh Yunjin).[30] On April 13, Source Music announced that Le Sserafim would release their debut extended play (EP) Fearless, on May 2.[31] Pre-orders for the EP surpassed 270,000 copies in seven days and 380,000 copies in sixteen days.[32] On the day of its release, Fearless sold more than 175,000 copies.[33] On May 10, eight days after their debut, the group earned their first music show win on SBS MTV's The Show.[34]

Prior to the group's debut, Kim Garam became a subject of controversy. She was accused of bullying other students at her middle school and engaging in underage smoking and drinking. Hybe Corporation denied the allegations, claiming that Kim was the victim, not the perpetrator of bullying. They expressed that they would take legal action against those who spread false rumors, and Kim was not removed from the debut lineup.[35] On May 20, Hybe Corporation and Source Music issued a joint statement regarding Kim Garam's bullying allegations, announcing that she would take a hiatus due to the pending investigations and that Le Sserafim would temporarily promote as a five-member group.[36] On July 20, the companies announced that Kim Garam would depart from the group and that her contract had been terminated, with Le Sserafim to continue as a five-member group.[37][35]

Le Sserafim released their second EP, Antifragile, on October 17. It marked their first release as five members, following Kim Garam's departure.[38] The album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200, making Le Sserafim the fastest K-pop girl group to debut on the chart.[39] On November 24, Hybe released a webtoon, titled Crimson Heart, based on the group's message to "advance without fear" through the platform Webtoon.[40]

2023: Japanese debut and Unforgiven

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Le Sserafim in May 2023

On January 25, 2023, Le Sserafim made their debut in Japan with the release of the Japanese single Fearless.[41] It contained Japanese versions of "Fearless" and "Blue Flame", along with an original Japanese song, "Choices".[42] "Choices" served as the theme song for Japanese drama 3000 Yen: How to Enrich Life.[43] On March 16, 2023, Source Music reported that Le Sserafim would be making a comeback in early May.[44] On April 3, they announced their first studio album, Unforgiven,[45] which was released on May 1.[46] In June, it was announced the group would embark on their first tour, Flame Rises, beginning in August.[47] On July 25, the group released their second original Japanese song "Jewelry" from their second Japanese single, Unforgiven.[48] The single, released on August 23, also featured Japanese versions of "Unforgiven" and "Antifragile".[49]

On October 12, Source Music announced that the group would be releasing their first English-language digital single, "Perfect Night" on October 27 in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment to promote Overwatch 2.[50][51] An in-game event featuring cosmetics and game modes themed after the group ran from November 1 to November 20. The group performed at BlizzCon on November 4. On November 19, the group released "Dresscode", which serves as the theme song for the Japanese live-action television series adaptation of the manga series Sexy Tanaka-san.[52]

2024–present: Easy, Coachella and Crazy

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Le Sserafim at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

On January 22, 2024, it was confirmed that Le Sserafim would release their third EP Easy on February 19.[53] The English versions for the lead single of the same name and "Smart" were released on February 23 and March 22, respectively.[54][55] In April 2024, the group performed at Coachella with Nile Rodgers, where they debuted a new song titled "1-800-Hot-N-Fun".[56] The group confirmed in late June 2024 that a comeback was scheduled in August 2024.[57] On July 10, the music-themed Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California announced that a special K-pop exhibit will take place in August 2024, displaying the accessories and performance gear worn by artists under Hybe, including Illit, Le Sserafim, Fromis 9, and BTS.[58]

On August 5, it was announced that Le Sserafim would be releasing their fourth extended play titled Crazy on August 30.[59] The English version and various remixes for the lead single of the same name, including a collaboration with American performer Dashaun Wesley, were released on September 2.[60] On September 4, a lead single remix featuring English singer PinkPantheress was released, followed by another lead single remix with French producer David Guetta on September 9.[61][62] On September 11, Le Sserafim performed "Crazy" and "1-800-Hot-N-Fun" at their first-ever MTV Video Music Awards and won the PUSH Performance of the Year award for "Easy".[63][64] The group's third Japanese single Crazy would be released on December 11.[65]

Members

Current

Former

  • Kim Garam (김가람) (2022)

Endorsements

In March 2023, Le Sserafim revealed to be 'Vita 500 Zero' model.[66] In May 2023, Le Sserafim joined as a model for Goobne's product.[67] On October 13, 2023, Le Sserafim was selected as Louis Vuitton House Ambassadors.[68]

On June 3, 2024, Jim Beam launched a global campaign called 'Enjoy it, our way!' with Le Sserafim.[69] In September, Sony selected Le Sserafim as their Global Ambassador,[70] and Le Sserafim also became the Global Ambassador for Gelato Pique.[71] That same month, after the release of Crazy, Le Sserafim collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Empire State Building to light up the building up in "fearless blue".[72][73]

Discography

Videography

Music videos

More information Title, Year ...
List of music videos, showing year released, and name of the director(s)
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Fearless" 2022 Guzza (Kudo) [74]
"Antifragile" Soonsik Yang [75]
"Impurities" Jihye Yoon (Lumpens) [76]
"Fearless" (Japanese ver.) 2023 Soonsik Yang [77]
"Unforgiven"
(featuring Nile Rodgers)
[78]
"Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's Wife" Jihye Yoon (Lumpens) [79]
"Unforgiven" (Japanese ver.)
(featuring Nile Rodgers, Ado)
Soonsik Yang [80]
"Perfect Night" Woogie Kim [81]
"Easy" 2024 Nina McNeely [82]
"Smart" Yong Seok Choi (Lumpens) [83]
"Crazy" Yunah Sheep [84]
"Crazy" (English ver.) Guzza (Kudo) [85]
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Other videos

More information Title, Year ...
List of other videos, showing year released, and name of the director(s)
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Fearless Trailer 'The World Is My Oyster'" 2022 Soonsik Yang [86]
"Antifragile Trailer 'The Hydra'" NDVisual [87]
"Unforgiven Trailer 'Burn the Bridge'" 2023 Woogie Kim [88]
"Easy Trailer 'Good Bones'" 2024 Kwanggoeng Yu [89]
"Crazy Trailer 'Chasing Lightning'" Boseung Kim, Jaedon Lee (Studio Bone) [90]
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Filmography

Web shows

More information Year, Title ...
Web shows appearances
Year Title Notes Ref.
2022–present Le Play Behind the scenes shorts of the members' activities [91][unreliable source?]
Episode Behind the scenes of the members' activities [92][unreliable source?]
Fim-Log Vlog content of the members [93][94][unreliable source?]
2022 Day Off Reality show series [95]
2022–present Leniverse Weekly variety shows [96][97][unreliable source?]
2022 Le Sserafim – The World Is My Oyster Documentary on the group's predebut period [98]
2023 Day Off 2 in Jeju Reality show series [99]
Day Off 3 Vacance [100]
2024 Day Off 4 in Japan [101]
Le Sserafim – Make It Look Easy Documentary on the group's journey in the past year [102]
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Tours

Le Sserafim Tour "Flame Rises"

More information Date (2023), City ...
Date (2023) City Country Venue Attendance Revenue
August 12 Seoul South Korea Jamsil Arena[103] 10,500[103] $7,900,000[104]
August 13
August 23 Nagoya Japan Nippon Gaishi Hall 60,000[105]
August 24
August 30 Tokyo Yoyogi National Gymnasium
August 31
September 6 Osaka Osaka-jō Hall
September 7
September 30 Hong Kong China AsiaWorld–Expo Hall 10[106]
October 1
October 3 Jakarta Indonesia Jakarta International Expo[107]
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More information Cancelled shows, Date (2023) ...
Cancelled shows
Date (2023) City Country Venue Reason Ref.
October 7 Bangkok Thailand Thunder Dome Cancelled due to members' health.[108] [109]
October 8
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Awards and nominations

More information Award ceremony, Year ...
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Asia Artist Awards 2022 Best Musician Award Le Sserafim Won [110]
Rookie of the Year – Music Won
DCM Popularity Award – Female Singer Nominated [111]
Idolplus Popularity Award – Music Nominated [112]
2023 Popularity Award – Singer (Female) Nominated [113]
Asian Pop Music Awards[upper-alpha 1] 2023 Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas) "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Won [115]
Record of the Year (Overseas) Nominated [116]
Circle Chart Music Awards 2023 Artist of the Year – Global Digital Music (May) "Fearless" Won [117]
Artist of the Year – Global Digital Music (October) "Antifragile" Won [118]
New Artist of the Year – Digital "Fearless" Nominated [119]
New Artist of the Year – Physical Antifragile Nominated
2024 Artist of the Year – Digital "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Won [120]
Artist of the Year – Streaming Unique Listeners Won
Artist of the Year – Global Streaming Nominated [121]
Mubeat Global Choice Award – Female Le Sserafim Nominated [122]
The Fact Music Awards 2022 Next Leader Award Won [123]
Fan N Star Choice Award (Artist) Nominated [124]
Four Star Awards Nominated [125]
Idolplus Popularity Award Nominated [126]
2023 Best Music – Summer "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Nominated [127]
Idolplus Popularity Award Le Sserafim Nominated [128]
Genie Music Awards 2022 Best Female Rookie Award Nominated [129]
Golden Disc Awards 2023 Rookie Artist of the Year Won [130]
Best Digital Song (Bonsang) "Fearless" Nominated [131]
2024 Best Album (Bonsang) Unforgiven Won [132]
Best Digital Song (Bonsang) "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Won
Album of the Year (Daesang) Unforgiven Nominated
Song of the Year (Daesang) "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Nominated
Most Popular Artist (Female) Le Sserafim Nominated [133]
Hanteo Music Awards 2024 Artist of the Year (Bonsang) Won [134]
K-Global Heart Dream Awards 2022 K-Global Best Music Video Award Won [135]
K-Global Super Rookie Award Won
2023 K Global Best Music Award Won [136]
Korea First Brand Awards[upper-alpha 2] 2023 Best Rookie Idol (Female) Won [137]
Korean Music Awards 2023 Rookie of the Year Nominated [138]
Best K-Pop Song "Antifragile" Nominated
Best K-Pop Album Antifragile Nominated
MAMA Awards 2022 Favorite New Artist Le Sserafim Won [139]
Artist of the Year Nominated [140]
Best Dance Performance Female Group "Fearless" Nominated
Best New Female Artist Le Sserafim Nominated
Song of the Year "Fearless" Nominated
Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 Le Sserafim Nominated
2023 Favorite Dance Performance Female Group Won [141]
Album of the Year Unforgiven Nominated [142]
Artist of the Year Le Sserafim Nominated
Best Dance Performance Female Group "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Nominated
Best Female Group Le Sserafim Nominated
Song of the Year "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Nominated
Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 Le Sserafim Nominated
Melon Music Awards 2022 Best Performance – Female Won [143]
Hot Trend Award Won
Artist of the Year Nominated [144]
Best New Artist Nominated
Netizen Popularity Award Nominated
Top 10 Artist Award Nominated
2023 Millions Top 10 Artist Unforgiven Won [145]
Top 10 Artist Award Le Sserafim Won
Album of the Year Unforgiven Nominated [146]
Artist of the Year Le Sserafim Nominated
Best Female Group Nominated
Favorite Star Award Nominated
Song of the Year "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers) Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards 2024 Best K-Pop Le Sserafim Pending [147]
Best New Pending
Best Push Pending
MTV Video Music Awards 2024 Push Performance of the Year "Easy" Won [148]
Seoul Music Awards 2023 Rookie of the Year Le Sserafim Won [149]
Popularity Award Nominated [150]
Hallyu Special Award Nominated
2024 Main Award (Bonsang) Nominated [151]
Popularity Award Nominated
Hallyu Special Award Nominated
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Listicles

More information Publisher, Year ...
Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Forbes 2023 30 Under 30 – Asia (Entertainment & Sports) Placed [152]
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Notes

  1. Hosted by the Hong Kong Asia Pacific International Group and Sunway Records, the Asian Pop Music Awards bases its winners on the "Asian Pop Music Chart" which opened in September 2019.[114]
  2. The 2023 Korea First Brand Awards selected promising brands that are predicted to lead in the year 2023 based on criteria such as consumption trend analysis, extensive nationwide consumer surveys, and evaluation by experts.[137]

References

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