The high-pressure environment of the K-pop industry often turns the release of promotional content into a battleground for “originality,” and LE SSERAFIM has once again found itself at the center of this storm.
In May 2026, social media platforms and community forums erupted with “plagiarism” accusations directed at the group’s latest visual concepts, with netizens drawing striking parallels to the aesthetic identity of their seniors, Red Velvet.
The controversy centers on the promotional materials for LE SSERAFIM’s newest project, where critics argue that the vibrant, slightly surreal, and “eccentric-elegant” motifs bear a suspicious resemblance to Red Velvet’s iconic “Chill Kill” and “Cosmic” eras.
The accusations were largely fueled by side-by-side comparisons of teaser images and trailer clips.
Netizens pointed to specific elements- such as the use of intricate, vintage-style props, “uncanny valley” storytelling, and a specific palette of velvet reds and deep forest greens- as evidence that Source Music had “heavily referenced” Red Velvet’s signature “Velvet” concept.
One viral post on a Korean forum, which garnered thousands of views within hours, asked,
“Is this LE SSERAFIM or a Red Velvet b-side concept?”
This “direct speech saying” encapsulated the frustration of some fans who feel that LE SSERAFIM is struggling to forge a unique visual path amidst a sea of industry references.
The Fine Line Between “Trend Overlap” and “Copying”
As the debate intensified, a significant portion of the industry and the “Fearnot” fandom rose to the group’s defense, arguing that the similarities are a result of broader “recession pop” and “maximalist” trends currently dominating the 2026 creative landscape.
Supporters point out that both groups utilize high-end fashion and surrealist art as inspirations, which naturally leads to visual intersections.
A visual director for a major creative agency commented on the controversy, stating,
“In an industry that moves this fast, everyone is drinking from the same well of inspiration. What one person calls plagiarism, another calls the current zeitgeist.”
The controversy also touched on specific choreography snippets and styling choices.
Critics noted that LE SSERAFIM’s new wardrobe featured “Gothic-Lolita” influences and asymmetrical silhouettes- elements that Red Velvet popularized years ago.
However, fashion analysts were quick to note that these styles have seen a massive resurgence across global runways this year.
During a recent behind-the-scenes content drop, member Huh Yunjin briefly addressed the group’s creative process, saying,
“We are always trying to challenge ourselves with new visuals that tell our own story of fearlessness, and we hope the fans can see the heart we put into every detail.”
This quote suggests that the group views their work as a distinct narrative evolution rather than a derivation of others’ work.
Navigation of Recurring Controversies
This is not the first time LE SSERAFIM has faced such scrutiny; the group has previously navigated “copycat” narratives involving artists like Rosalía, Tyla, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The recurring nature of these accusations has led to a “boy who cried wolf” effect within certain sections of the K-pop community, while others see it as a systemic issue within Source Music’s creative direction.
A representative from the label addressed the ongoing discourse in a brief statement:
“We respect all artists and their unique identities.
Our creative team is focused on developing LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Fearless’ brand through original storytelling and innovative performances.”
Despite the online “backlash,” LE SSERAFIM’s commercial performance remains unaffected, with pre-orders for their upcoming album reaching new career highs.
The “plagiarism” debate has, ironically, increased the visibility of the comeback, proving the old adage that “all publicity is good publicity.”
As the group prepares for their first music show stage of the new era, the focus is shifting from the static images of the teasers to the live performance.
As one fan aptly summarized on social media:
“The photos might remind you of someone else, but once they start dancing, there’s no doubt that this is LE SSERAFIM.”
For now, the group continues to move forward, leaving the “digital noise” behind as they take their new concept to the global stage.
