LE SSERAFIM Fans Accuse HYBE of Forcing Group to Hide Injuries After Evidence Surfaces
LE SSERAFIM is facing backlash over concerns about the group’s health and management during their latest comeback with “Celebration.”
The controversy began when fans noticed a change in the choreography during a recent performance at Soongsil University. The original dance included intense headbanging in the chorus, but this move was removed for safety reasons. Despite the change, member Chaewon was still seen struggling to move her neck.
Fans quickly reacted, worried that the choreography was causing long-term injury. Clips of Chaewon’s discomfort sparked criticism aimed at both the choreographer and HYBE’s label, Source Music, accusing them of neglecting the members’ well-being.
“glad they finally changed celebration’s headbanging choreo but looks like chaewon’s neck is still hurting.. i really hope she’s okay and taking care of herself :(” — 지오 (@agicheetah) May 15, 2026
“it looks like it’s hurting so much, FCK YOU @SOURCEMUSIC” — (@msgzuha) May 15, 2026
“very silly that was ever the choreo in the first place, everyone involved should have known that wasn’t sustainable” — lucky (@aluckygrl) May 15, 2026
“mind you a whole member had to be injured & hurt for them to eventually reevaluate the choreo when fans showed concerns since the beginning.. there’s so much wrong with this company.” — (@sonderhyj) May 15, 2026
Soon after, fans uncovered a clip from a live broadcast where Chaewon quietly mentioned neck pain. What alarmed viewers was Sakura’s shocked reaction and her gesture to silence Chaewon. Chaewon then quickly retracted her comment and tried to show she was fine. The members laughed it off, but fans found the moment deeply concerning, suspecting the group is being pressured to hide injuries.
“what’s even more concerning is they weren’t allowed to talk about the neck pain…. what is wrong with this company” — it’s amze♡ (@chaeizm) May 16, 2026
This incident reminded fans of a previous time when Sakura was seen limping during schedules but never addressed it publicly. Many believe these cases prove LE SSERAFIM is restricted from openly discussing their health issues.
“Remember when Sakura was limping and we were worried and ‘fearnot’ said she hasn’t said anything so we shouldn’t be worried??? How do y’all feel now ??? It was clear that they didn’t allow them to talk about injuries but y’all are too delusional to understand” — Kku Star³⁹ (@star_kku) May 16, 2026
As the discussion spread on X (formerly Twitter), fans of NewJeans brought up Hanni’s past statements about workplace bullying under HYBE’s management, linking the two situations.
“oh but i thought newjeans were lying…” — ྀིྀི (@dittokja) May 17, 2026
“girlll…. why didnt we listen to newjeans …” — weedku (@quitexciting) May 17, 2026
“See what happens when you defend a company and paint Idols who spoke up about the company as Liars?” — Anything NJZ (@LoveStarzz1) May 17, 2026
Overall, these accusations have reignited debates about the strict control idols face in the K-pop industry and the lack of freedom to speak out about their struggles.
“those slave contracts are crazy…” — dustín (@donotstin) May 17, 2026
“Idol life can be very off putting at times. Gives robotic when they aren’t ‘allowed’ to be the human they are.” — BestFriend (@SKZBestFriend4) May 17, 2026
“yall this is literally insane???” — t ✩ FUCK SM (@ac11dbarbiee) May 16, 2026
Fans continue to watch closely as questions about HYBE’s treatment of LE SSERAFIM remain unanswered.