LE SSERAFIM performed their first 5-member performance with the exception of member Kim Garam, who was embroiled in allegations of school violence. This stage is getting a hotter response than the debut stage.

In SBS "Inkigayo", which was broadcast on the 22nd, the figure of LE SSERAFIM who decorated the stage of "Fearless" as a five-member group without Kim Garam appeared.

The intro part, which was originally a Kim Garam part, was handled by Heo Yun Jin, and the other Kim Garam parts were digested without difficulty by the members taking turns.

Previously, LE SSERAFIM's agency, HYBE and Source Music, completely denied the allegations of sexual assault by Kim Garam, and announced plans to suspend Kim Garam's activities for the time being and promote as a five-member system.

This day's "Inkigayo" stage was the first official stage when LE SSERAFIM started their 5-member activities, and the attention of other fans, including fans, was also focused.

Is it because of this? As of 1pm on May 23rd, the number of views on the stage of LE SSERAFIM's "Inkigayo", which was uploaded on Naver TV that day, exceeded 160,000 people.

Comments such as "I feel better with 5 people" and "I can't feel an empty seat" were also posted on the video.

In particular, LE SSERAFIM's 'Inkigayo' stage, which changed into a five-member system and had their first stage, drew more attention because the number of views was more than twice that of their debut stage.

LE SSERAFIM's debut stage recorded 70,000 views as of the same day.

In addition, after starting their activities as a five-member system, LE SSERAFIM's new song climbed to 13th in the TOP 100 rankings on the music site Melon, proving their interest.

Meanwhile, recently, Kim Garam , a member of LE SSERAFIM, was caught up in allegations of school violence against her friend Miss A in 2018 when she was in middle school.

The controversy was further aggravated by the release of the photo of the notification of the results of the Autonomous Committee on School Violence Countermeasures that seemed to support this, but Source Music said that Kim Garam was unfairly designated as the perpetrator and was rather a victim of school violence suffering from malicious rumors.

Source[1]

Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]