Entertainment

LE SSERAFIM’s "HOT" Misses the Mark: Are They Facing a Downward Spiral?

2025-03-16

Author: Mei

LE SSERAFIM's latest track, "HOT," is igniting debate among fans and critics alike as it struggles to achieve the success anticipated by many. The group's recent chart performance has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about whether their glory days are behind them.

Upon its release, "HOT" managed to climb to a disappointing No. 68 on MelOn, a prominent music chart in South Korea, with only 62,921 unique listeners in the first 24 hours. This has led to widespread speculation on platforms like Pann, where one viral post depicting the song at No. 89 garnered nearly 175,000 views and over 600 upvotes. Comments from fans reflect growing concerns over the group’s dwindling popularity within the domestic scene.

Some fans are expressing their fears that LE SSERAFIM may face increased competition as other notable groups like NMIXX and NewJeans gear up to make their comebacks in March. There’s a palpable sense that LE SSERAFIM could struggle to maintain their foothold, as many commenters express doubts about the group's future: "LE SSERAFIM is totally done now," reads one particularly popular comment, which captures the bleak outlook many are sharing.

The lack of engagement in LE SSERAFIM's official chatroom is also stirring discontent among fans, with reports indicating just 659 participants. Commentary like, "Their core fanbase has completely abandoned them," suggests a worrying trend for the group’s community and support network.

While the band previously shone brightly alongside acts like NewJeans, the current campaign seems to be floundering despite extensive promotional efforts. Some enthusiasts remain optimistic but lament the reality of the situation, noting, "Even with all the promotions and fans on board, their chart rankings are still a disaster."

The question remains: Can LE SSERAFIM bounce back from this downturn? Their international success gives a glimmer of hope, as they maintain a fanbase outside of South Korea. However, whether they can regain traction domestically and prove their critics wrong is yet to be seen. As the group navigates this competitive landscape, all eyes will be watching to see how they adapt and evolve in the coming months. Will they redefine their approach, or is this the beginning of a steep decline? Only time will tell.