LE SSERAFIM Hit With “Mean Girl” Accusations As Post-Garam TikTok Resurfaces

A TikTok posted by LE SSERAFIM shortly after their debut is causing quite a stir on X (formerly known as Twitter). The video has recently resurfaced and ignited debates surrounding former member Kim Garam.

The controversial video, which shows the members hugging and celebrating their friendship, was originally posted not long after Garam left the group. The timing of this post has led some fans to question its intent, given that Garam’s departure from LE SSERAFIM was under controversial circumstances.

Garam’s exit was confirmed in mid-2022 after HYBE and Source Music announced her temporary hiatus in response to allegations of bullying. These accusations surfaced in May 2022, and following a wave of public criticism, the company eventually decided to terminate her contract in July. In her absence, LE SSERAFIM continued promoting as a five-member group, moving forward in the face of a complicated public image situation.

Now that the TikTok clip has re-emerged and making rounds around social media once again, opinions among fans remain divided — just as they were two years ago.

Some fans claim that Garam’s inclusion would have added to the group, voicing disappointment that she wasn’t given a chance to stay. A few have gone so far as to accuse the remaining members of acting dismissive toward Garam by posting a celebratory video so soon after her removal. The group was even accused of acting like “mean girls.”

Others point to LE SSERAFIM’s debut documentary series, noting that Garam was carefully edited out of scenes, which has fueled further discussions about her treatment post-departure.

However, many fans argue in favor of the current members, suggesting that they shouldn’t be held responsible for Garam’s departure, which they believe was a necessary response to the allegations against her. Some also speculate that the remaining members may have felt pressure to project a united front as five to maintain the group’s image during a challenging time—which would explain the TikTok being posted so soon after her removal.

The resurfaced TikTok has clearly rekindled heated reactions, showing that Garam’s removal from the top girl group remains a hot topic.