LE SSERAFIM Reveals Why Their First Comeback Feels Different (Interview)

LE SSERAFIM‘s official debut began back in May with a cocky declaration, especially coming from a group of newbies: “What you lookin’ at? Mmm…I’m fearless.”

The song, as well as the accompanying debut EP of the same name, rocketed into the Top 10 in South Korea and Japan, among other territories.

Evidently, their confidence was justified.

Less than six months later, the five-member SOURCE MUSIC girl group returned in October with the first-ever comeback of their career, quickly establishing themselves as one of the most thrilling rookie girl groups on the K-pop scene.

ANTIFRAGILE finds the group putting their best foot forward as a fivesome with immediately addictive melodies – good luck getting that “anti-ti-ti-ti fragile, fragile…” hook out of your head anytime soon – and empowering lyrics about triumphing over hardship across an eclectic array of genres, from reggaeton (“ANTIFRAGILE”) to rock ‘n’ roll (“No Celestial’) to nostalgic R&B (“Impurities”).

The release has already quickly outpaced their debut, shooting straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. In fact, ANTIFRAGILE just debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, making them the fastest K-pop girl group to enter the chart. They’re also the only K-pop group who debuted in 2022 to top Billboard’s World Albums Chart.

Along with the music, the girls are only continuing to gain fans globally at a rapid pace with their slick stage performances, sleek music videos – a new one just dropped for “Impurities” this week – and choreography-filled TikTok account.

We spoke with each of the members of LE SSERAFIM – KIM CHAEWON, SAKURA, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA and HONG EUNCHAE – about what makes things different this go-around with the ANTIFRAGILE EP, how they’re handling idol life, and the road ahead.

Click inside to read the interview…

This is your first official comeback! What did you learn from your debut with FEARLESS that you applied to ANTIFRAGILE?

KIM CHAEWON: We received so much love and support for our debut single “FEARLESS,” so we worked even harder this time to put on a stronger performance. Also, our teamwork became even more solid than before, and we were able to perfect our group choreography much quicker.

SAKURA: When we debuted, I was preoccupied with the thought of wanting to do well and wasn’t able to enjoy my performance as much. For this album, I want to show just how much I’m enjoying myself on stage.

HUH YUNJIN: We received a lot of love during FEARLESS for our performance so we worked extra hard to bring out our best on stage. In addition to teamwork, we wanted to show just how much fun we are having. We are always trying our best to put on our best show.

KAZUHA: Everything that I went through during FEARLESS was something that I experienced for the very first time. Being on stage for a music show, appearing on TV, meeting fans, and everything else were new to me, so I see them all as a learning experience. For the second EP, I went into it feeling a bit more relaxed and thinking about what I want to portray on stage.

HONG EUNCHAE: For our debut album, I was a bit disappointed that our promotion came to a close as I was getting used to being on camera and picking up stage manners. So for ANTIFRAGILE, I put in a lot of effort into conveying a wide range of facial expressions and showing just how much fun I’m having being in front of the camera.

The entire ANTIFRAGILE EP is very determined, inspirational and confident. In the press conference, you said that the record has the message that “we will grow and become stronger and more solid in the face of hardships.” Can you talk a little more about the message you’d like to get across in the album?

KIM CHAEWON: We wanted to talk about the way we face and overcome our own hardships. We also tried to embody this strong mindset that can overcome any and all hardships by harnessing what we have and what we do.

SAKURA: We as people face trials and tribulations throughout our lives, but I think that there are also a lot of things you can gain through those times, and I look at them as an opportunity to grow as a person. I hope that our song “ANTIFRAGILE” brings a sense of strength to anyone who listens to it.

HUH YUNJIN: We just want to make it clear that no matter what we have faced in the past, are facing in the present, or will face in the future, we will move through it with authenticity and bravery. Stoicism, plus a bit of rebellious spice is how I think of ANTIFRAGILE. Cold mind but fiery heart.

KAZUHA: I think that each day comes with a series of challenges in our lives, and we have to face various difficulties whether big or small. With this album, we wanted to tell a message that instead of easily giving into such difficulties, we can overcome them in our own way and become stronger in the process.

HONG EUNCHAE: The album carries a message that we will overcome all hardships no matter what and will come out stronger on the other end. We wanted to show that kind of confidence on stage and our determination to be more powerful, yet not broken.

Many people are enjoying the Afro-Latin elements of your title track. Are there any Latin, or Latin-inspired artists who inspire your music?

KIM CHAEWON: Rosalia.

SAKURA: Rosalia!

HUH YUNJIN: I love Kali Uchis, Rosalia, and Paloma Mami’s music, in addition to Isabella Lovestory, who participated in the creation of our title track “ANTIFRAGILE.” I like to listen to a variety of genres because I think it’s important to widen my spectrum of musical exposure, so I’m thankful “ANTIFRAGILE” has introduced me to such a cool sound.

KAZUHA: I love Rosalia. I haven’t had a chance to listen to much Latin music before, but when I first listened to her music, it felt so fresh and different. It’s music that makes you want to dance, and I also love the unique style of Latin music. As I was recording “ANTIFRAGILE,” I’m glad that I got to know more about how amazing Latin music is.

HONG EUNCHAE: I was introduced to Latin music while recording “ANTIFRAGILE” as well so I can’t really pick one artist that inspires me right now, but I’d like to use this as an opportunity to learn more about Latin music.

What is something about idol life that you didn’t know about until you debuted?

KIM CHAEWON: I realized just how important it is to take good care of my health.

SAKURA: I feel grateful and proud that I got to receive so much more love than I have imagined.

HUH YUNJIN: Blankets are a must-have.

KAZUHA: I couldn’t have really imagined what this job would be like so I can’t pinpoint a difference, but it makes me happy to receive so much love from our fans. I don’t think it’s something I’d be able to experience without taking on this job so I am very thankful.

HONG EUNCHAE: Before our debut, I was so nervous and worried that I would struggle with even the things that I was good at while on stage. However, when we debuted, I was surprised to find out that I actually don’t get very nervous. It’s true that there’s a glamorous side to an idol life, but it was the first time I got to experience everything so it was a bit tough to get used to in the beginning.

Being in a group is about communication, and not everyone always agrees on everything. Is there an example of a creative decision that the group made together recently?

HUH YUNJIN: During our debut promotions, we came up with and choreographed a special stage for our last “FEARLESS” performance. We recently started planning our last performance for “ANTIFRAGILE” as well! I think our fans can look forward to it.

KIM CHAEWON: There wasn’t a big decision we made together recently, but I usually help the members on the same page and make decisions on day-to-day matters.

SAKURA: There wasn’t a big decision so far, but I hope that we continue to talk with each other more often and in depth about our music.

KAZUHA: Performance is very important to us, so we tend to talk with each other a lot during our dance practice. We help each other on getting down the details of the choreography and perfecting our synchronized movements.

HONG EUNCHAE: I think all of us are good at both voicing our opinions and listening to others. If I have to pick one, we made a promise with each other to have the most fun we can while performing “ANTIFRAGILE” on stage.

Members also participated in the writing of this album, including HUH YUNJIN on “No Celestial” and “Good Parts (when the quality is bad but I am),” with HUH YUNJIN and SAKURA. What are some lyrics or messages in the songs that you are especially proud of communicating in these new songs?

SAKURA: I wrote the lyrics about wanting to love myself better, as I still find it hard to fully embrace myself. I tried to put my genuine thoughts into the lyrics and I was grateful to know that our fans loved it.

HUH YUNJIN: I think as a group we all like to be transparent. You can see it in our variety, lifestyle content as well, everything we show on screen is our genuine selves and chemistry. And it goes the same for our music too – we all talk about our real thoughts in all of our songs, but through “Good Parts (when the quality is bad but I am),” we just wanted to express how though we aren’t perfect, and we don’t always look the way we do on camera, we are striving for self love.

You’ve had so many killer vocal moments in your songs already, and you’re just getting started. Do you have a favorite melody/lyric/verse, out of all of your songs, that you just love singing the most?

KIM CHAEWON: On “No Celestial,” there’s a verse where I shout, and I just love how full of energy it is. It’s so much fun to sing that part!

SAKURA: For me, I love the chorus on “Good Parts.”

HUH YUNJIN: I love to sing my first part in “ANTIFRAGILE” – “So much talk behind my back.”

KAZUHA: I love the verse in “Good Parts” that goes “I just wanna love myself when I’m feeling good or feeling bad.” I love the melody, but I also relate to the lyrics on a personal level. It’s a verse that I can sing with a lot of sincerity.

HONG EUNCHAE: I love the melody during the verse “My blood red desire’s deepening. Don’t know where they’ll take me, my wishes” on “Impurities.” I’m also in love with the entire lyrics of “Good Parts.” I like the meaning behind the song which talks about loving even the inadequate and unattractive parts of oneself.

You’ve appeared on music shows and interacted with other huge groups at this point. Have you observed anything they’ve done, on or off stage, that you’ve taken with you?

KIM CHAEWON: I get so much energy and learn new things from watching other artists on stage. I always look at them with the mindset of a student.

SAKURA: For music shows where fans are in the audience, we can only perform three times at most, so it’s always a challenge to show our best in that exact moment. That’s one of the things I want to learn from the artists that have come before me.

HUH YUNJIN: Sincerely saying hello and thanking staff, always.

KAZUHA: It’s so cool to see other artists having confidence in themselves to deliver their message in their performance. I also want to show that confidence in myself and put my all into every performance.

HONG EUNCHAE: I learn a lot from watching other artists’ stage manners. For example, how they vary their gestures, how they quickly get back on after dropping their mic, etc. I learn a lot from how they treat their fans as well.

There are so many different artists we’d love to see you collaborate with as well. If you could do a comeback with another girl group’s song (past or present!), which song would you pick?

KIM CHAEWON: It’s not a girl group, but I’m a big fan of Lee Hyori. It’d be fun to cover one of her songs and put our own spin to it someday.

SAKURA: I think there are a lot of songs that only LE SSERAFIM can sing and perform so we’d like to continue to take on those songs that tell our stories in our own words.

HUH YUNJIN: Since our debut, we’ve been putting our own stories and messages into our music, so I think the authenticity of our music is really special to us. It’s also what we are most confident about! So though there are lots of songs we’d love to cover, I think LE SSERAFIM’s music wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t stem from us.

KAZUHA: I’d love to collaborate with other artists one day, but since our debut, we’ve been a group that are very committed to telling our stories and staying true to ourselves without being limited by an ‘album concept.’ I think that’s what makes LE SSERAFIM different. While there are many artists I love, I’d like to share the stories and performances that only LE SSERAFIM can share with the world.

HONG EUNCHAE: I’d love to try other groups’ songs, but for now, we want to focus on telling our stories through our music, and that’s also something that we’re great at.

You explore a lot of different genres on ANTIFRAGILE, and your voices suit them all really well. What’s a sound you’d still like to try?

KIM CHAEWON: Hip-hop! I’ve been wanting to rap these days (laugh).

SAKURA: Hip-hop!

HUH YUNJIN: I’d like to dive deeper into R&B.

KAZUHA: I rapped on “ANTIFRAIGLE” following “FEARLESS,” but this time around, it was a completely different style and tone of rap that I had to take on and it allowed me to discover new sides of myself. I look at every genre as a challenge and a new discovery I’d like to explore.

HONG EUNCHAE: I’d like to try hip-hop. I have been exposed to the genre and learned much about it since my trainee days. And it’s also a lot of fun to dance in hip-hop.

Your promotional schedule is crazy during a comeback. What are your go-to mental escapes in between performances and interviews? Is there a certain TV show you watch, or do you meditate, or is there a podcast you listen to?

KIM CHAEWON: I’d like to destress by monitoring our performances and contents. I also enjoy watching IU and TAEYEON’s behind-the-scenes content.

SAKURA: I journal almost every day so I feel most at ease and refreshed when I’m journaling.

HUH YUNJIN: I like to listen to music!! I’ve been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album on repeat (laugh).

KAZUHA: When I watch other artists’ amazing performances, I feel inspired and energized. It makes me want to push myself and work even harder.

HONG EUNCHAE: I watch other artists’ performances a lot. I watch their entire performances on full shot videos and I look at their expressions and gestures closely on fancam videos. I watch so much of them that I actually got a lot of other groups’ choregraphies down (laugh).

It’s been fun watching you all dance and interact with fans on TikTok. Are there any influencers you love to watch in your free time?

KIM CHAEWON: I’ve been watching a lot of TikTok covers of our videos and dances.

SAKURA: There isn’t a specific TikTok account I watch at the moment unfortunately.

HUH YUNJIN: I don’t have a specific TikToker but I do watch a lot of TikTok videos that fans make.

KAZUHA: I enjoy watching other artists’ TikTok videos and videos by Todd, who participated in the choreography for “ANTIFRAGILE.” I also love watching videos of our fans who covered our dances.

HONG EUNCHAE: I watch LE SSERAFIM’s TikTok account the most. We also participate in other artists’ TikTok challenges so I monitor those videos I took part in as well.

There’s no doubt that LE SSERAFIM is rapidly becoming one of the biggest rookie groups on the scene. Even though it’s early, do you think you have a signature sound or style yet? How would you like to be known?

KIM CHAEWON: We’d like to share our most honest feelings through our music. We want to be a group that is known for an incredible performance and a group that tells their own stories.

SAKURA: I think having a story that we want to tell and only we can tell is what defines LE SSERAFIM and makes us unique.

HUH YUNJIN: We want to be known as the one and only LE SSERAFIM. We want to create and walk our own path.

KAZUHA: We’d love to be known as a group that can deliver a captivating performance. I actually talk about this with our members often. We’d even love for people that aren’t FEARNOT to want to go to a LE SSERAFIM show and watch our performances as well. We want to continue to strive to be an artist in our own lane that delivers a top-notch performance.

HONG EUNCHAE: Most importantly, we sing about our real stories. I think that we also show our own confidence and fearless energy that are unique to us. Personally, I aspire to position LE SSERAFIM to be synonymous with incredible performers.

You have such a passionate fanbase already! What is something surprising or especially thoughtful that FEARNOT have done for you or said at a fan meet or online that really touched your heart?

KIM CHAEWON: We were on an award show with other artists and their fans along with FEARNOT in the audience. I was monitoring our performance on a fancam later on, and there was one fan in the audience that cheered and shouted for us at the top of her lungs. I got teared up and was so moved by it.

SAKURA: When we do pre-recordings for music shows, there are many times when we have to do it in the early morning or for long hours. I’m always so touched by our fans who come out for us and cheer us as loud as they can.

HUH YUNJIN: Whenever someone says they’ve been waiting for me since my first appearance on TV, it pulls at my heart strings a little. Four years is not a short time. The fact that there was someone waiting for me and I had no idea makes me emotional, because we’ve finally met now.

KAZUHA: There was a fan at a fan sign event that told me that they gained strength from watching our performances. That made me so happy and made me think about how I’d love to be someone who brings strength to our fans.

HONG EUNCHAE: Recently, I saw our fans’ comments online that said they feel comforted when they listen to “Good Parts.” I was so moved that our voice can be a
source of comfort to someone. I also saw a comment that said “No Celestial” is the best fan song. It’s a song that expresses our gratitude to FEARNOT for embracing and loving us as who we really are. I was glad that the message we wanted to get across was so well-received by our fans.

Is the primary focus on Korea for now, or do you already have your sights set on a global audience?

KIM CHAEWON: My dream is to perform in front of FEARNOT all around the world.

SAKURA: We’re always thinking about how much we’d like to meet FEARNOT around the world. We’ll be able to go on a world tour sooner or later. Please look forward to it!

HUH YUNJIN: We are just happy and thankful for love and support no matter where it is from.

KAZUHA: We’d like to meet and perform for FEARNOT on a world tour, which is a big dream of ours.

HONG EUNCHAE: We talk a lot with each other these days about how much we want to play our own concerts and go on a world tour to meet FEARNOT around the world. We’ve only been to Japan so far. We got to meet a lot of our fans there and realized that there are actually a lot of fans overseas that love LE SSERAFIM which motivated us
even more.

In your dream scenario, what will LE SSERAFIM be doing in 5 years from now?

KIM CHAEWON: I’d love for us to tour around the world to meet FEARNOT and be an artist who is a positive influence to others.

SAKURA: I hope that we put our all into every performance just like how we do right now. I also wish our members to continue to be happy and lean on each other in our journey.

HUH YUNJIN: Hopefully world tours and releasing lots of music.

KAZUHA: Together with the members, I’d like to enjoy music and performances we love, and share positive energy and messages with people all over the world.

HONG EUNCHAE: Eating a lot of amazing food together while on a world tour? (laugh)

ANTIFRAGILE is out now.

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