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Le Sserafim's Kim Garam gets brutal 'silent treatment' from Korean fans at promotional events

As Korean fans intentionally ignored Kim Garam at the events, many are wondering why HYBE isn't putting her on hiatus till her bullying row is resolved

It looks like the adage ‘all publicity is good publicity’ might not apply to Le Sserafim. Member Kim Garam had been embroiled in a severe bullying scandal right before the group’s debut with HYBE. The label's subsidiary, Source Music, entrusted with the girl group's debut, even announced their decision to sue the alleged victims since the rumors were not true. During their debut showcase, Garam shared that it was 'difficult' to comment. But with the victims speaking up despite the legal action and calling Garam a school bully, it looks like Korean fans have dropped her for good. 

School violence in South Korea is extremely violent. This is why the general public immediately drops any celebrity if there are any rumors about them being bullies in the past. In fact, in early 2021, there was a systematic attack on K-pop idols as trolls targeted them with fake rumors that they had been school bullies. Almost all of the rumors were proven to be fake but the accusations still managed to tarnish the idols’ reputations. With HYBE and Garam staying quiet on the matter, Le Sserafim fans think it will do more harm than good.

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Le Sserafim’s Garam gets ignored by Korean fans

Many suggest that HYBE should have quickly resolved the matter or put Garam on hiatus as the 16-year-old is getting a harsh response from Korean fans while promoting their debut album. They feel that if Garam is indeed innocent, then the cyberbullying could affect her emotionally. Fans brought up instances like the time when Le Sserafim exited a car to get to a schedule and the cheering crowd intentionally went silent when Garam appeared. In another instance, at a public event, when the members were doing ‘aegyo’ (acting cutely), the loud crowd was deliberately quiet when it was Garam’s turn.

Additionally, Le Sserafim fans pointed out that almost all of the posts and videos on social media regarding Garam constantly get hate comments from Korean fans along with a few international fans as well. International netizens also understand the severity of Garam’s bullying scandal and why Korean fans are reacting the way they are till there is concrete evidence that disproves all the allegations. And so they are urging HYBE to resolve the situation quickly.

‘This is really damaging’

One fan suggested, “I think the most appropriate action would have been to delay the group’s debut. Even if it took months I think the company needed that time to clear Garam’s name with the public so that she wouldn’t have to experience what she’s going through right now.” Another posted, “In situations like these there's no perfect solution, the damage has been done, the best thing a company can do IMO is to shield their artist if they are really innocent, especially if the artist is a minor.” One user wrote, “That's painful to watch... I feel bad for her but not sure what could be done tbh. Her reputation took a big hit... Agree they should have taken her out of promotions until things got resolved.”

Another was worried for Garam, “This is undoubtedly going to be traumatic for Garam and the other girls as well.” One user commented, “I agree with u, i think if they didnt want to delay this debut, hybe and soumu could have pulled her out at least until they are able to clear this case up. it IS unfair in the case where garam is innocent, but i feel like it’s better than getting treated like this. i hope they are able to clear this case quickly because this is really damaging.”

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