LE SSERAFIM Sakura Faces Backlash Following Chaewon’s Hiatus Announcement
LE SSERAFIM’s Chaewon is facing backlash after being benched for the group’s new comeback due to a neck injury.
The controversy began when Source Music announced on Weverse that Chaewon would take a break from activities following medical advice to “rest for a certain period and monitor her recovery.” Fans quickly connected her injury to the choreography of “Celebration,” which includes a head-banging move.
Chaewon had already shown signs of neck pain before the break. A viral performance of the new choreography showed her holding her neck in visible discomfort.
Soon after the announcement, a clip from an early May live stream resurfaced. In it, Chaewon mentions her neck hurts but is quickly shushed by member Sakura. Chaewon then says her neck doesn’t hurt, and the members react, sparking speculation that the group was told not to reveal her pain.
Fans flooded social media, criticizing Source Music for forcing Chaewon to perform despite her injury and only changing the choreography after her condition worsened.
“• chaewon wasn’t allowed to show her neck pain during weverse live
• still made her perform the headbanging choreo even after she showed signs of pain
• only changed the choreo once the pain got worse
• still made her perform at another festival while holding back the pain
•…” — @agicheetah
“we place the highest priority on the health and safety of our artist” YOU LITERALLY DIDN’T ALLOW THEM TO SPEAK ABOUT THEIR NECK PAIN — @fearllenangel
abusive just straight up abusive — @aesoshiparty
The company has since changed the choreography to reduce risk, but fans remain upset over how Chaewon’s injury was handled.
As the situation unfolds, fans continue to demand better care and transparency from Source Music regarding Chaewon’s health.