LE SSERAFIM, once celebrated as one of K-pop’s “Five Princesses” of Gen 4 alongside NewJeans, IVE, aespa, and (G)I-DLE, has recently faced contrasting fortunes in the domestic and international markets.
The group made a highly anticipated comeback on October 24, 2025, with their single album Spaghetti, featuring a music video for the title track and a first-time collaboration with BTS’s j-hope. Fans worldwide, particularly BTS’s ARMY, had high expectations after seven months since the last comeback, HOT.
However, in South Korea, the response was disappointing. Spaghetti sold only 92,000 copies on the first day, a staggering 110% decline compared to their 2023 release UNFORGIVEN, which sold over 1 million copies on day one. Sales on day two and three fell further, reaching just 6,832 and 4,752 copies, highlighting a domestic slump for the HYBE girl group.
Analysts trace the decline to the Coachella 2024 performance, where live vocals drew criticism, causing public interest in the group to wane. Subsequent comebacks have struggled to regain the South Korean fanbase, leaving LE SSERAFIM trailing behind fellow Gen 4 groups in domestic sales.
Despite domestic setbacks, LE SSERAFIM’s international appeal remains strong. In the U.S., Spaghetti reached #2 on iTunes, the highest-charting K-pop song on the platform to date. In Japan, they became the third-ever Korean girl group and first Gen 4 group to top the Japan iTunes Top Songs chart. Globally, Spaghetti debuted at #1 on iTunes Worldwide Songs and the European iTunes Songs Chart, while the song’s catchy, funk-pop style, combined with j-hope’s playful rap segment, has garnered over 20 million views in just two days.
Adding to the group’s mixed fortunes, LE SSERAFIM is set to hold the Easy Crazy Hot Encore Concert at Tokyo Dome, Japan, on November 18-19. With a capacity of around 40,000 and Japanese members Sakura and Kazuha, the concert represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate their fanbase abroad.
Rumors of “unsold tickets” circulated online after free tickets were offered via MelOn, sparking debate about the group’s current popularity. Fans argue that the giveaway is part of promotional efforts for the new comeback and does not reflect actual demand. The concert will serve as a critical measure of the group’s performance capabilities and sustained fan support.
Since debut, LE SSERAFIM has been known for strong performance skills, bold concepts, and viral potential, producing hits like Fearless, Antifragile, and Perfect Night. Although public criticism of their live vocals initially damaged their domestic image, recent comebacks, including Spaghetti, show the group working to reclaim attention both at home and abroad.
In summary, while LE SSERAFIM faces challenges in domestic sales and lingering scrutiny from Coachella 2024, their global popularity, creative concepts, and upcoming Tokyo Dome concert indicate that the group still has the potential to rebound. Their ability to balance international success with domestic appeal will likely define the next chapter of their career.
Sources: kenh14