LE SSERAFIM’s Music Video Teaser Sparks Backlash Over Disrespect Claims
LE SSERAFIM is facing backlash after their music video teaser for “BOOMPALA” sparked accusations of cultural appropriation and disrespect.
The controversy began when the group released the teaser for their upcoming album PUREFLOW, set to drop on May 22, 2026. Fans quickly reacted, claiming the video disrespected Buddha and Indian culture, pointing to the poses and imagery used in the teaser.
Fans flooded social media with criticism, accusing LE SSERAFIM of mocking religious symbols and appropriating Indian culture:
“are they mocking buddha omg” — @yezzrae
“just when we thought it couldn’t get worse hearing the snippet, they mock indian culture in the music video ” — @wszayn
“the cultural appropriation? oh le sserafim it’s time to say bye to your careers” — @yurilmz
“People are saying this is appropriating Buddha (and its true they are), but this pose predates formalised Buddhism. It’s the ardha-padmasana (half lotus pose) which comes from ancient Indian Yogic meditation traditions. so yes, Cultural Appropriation of Indian Culture.” — @kittymerization
Other fans also called out the group for using Egyptian culture in the video while never holding a concert in the Middle East:
“Using Egyptian culture for ur music video but never having a single concert in the Middle East is actually crazy” — @kebabjiaa
Some expressed frustration over what they saw as repeated religious disrespect:
“first dancing in the church now mocking the Budda??? why are they so obsessed with disrespecting religions” — @oceanluvers
As the situation unfolded, a few defended LE SSERAFIM, arguing the accusations stem from xenophobia and cultural misunderstandings:
“they’re in the quotes calling it “appropriation”, but can’t even pick one country? what’s more ironic is that Y’ALL are the ones being xenophobic by limiting all of these rich and diverse cultures to just a desert and some camels???” — @seongzzn
“why are they culturally appropriating the religion of gagianity………….” — @fallingchae
The backlash comes just days before LE SSERAFIM’s PUREFLOW album release, with fans divided over the group’s concept and cultural sensitivity. The controversy continues to spark heated debate online.
Watch the “BOOMPALA” teaser here: