LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon Benched From PUREFLOW pt.1 Comeback Activities Due to Neck Injury — Fans React

Fans had feared this situation the most. LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon will be sitting out of the group's upcoming comeback activities due to a health concern — and the timing could not be more painful.

On May 19, Source Music confirmed that Kim Chaewon will be temporarily stepping away from scheduled activities after receiving hospital treatment for neck pain. She will be unable to participate in university festivals, the Spotify PURE FLOWERS LIVE event, and music show performances.

The announcement arrives just three days before LE SSERAFIM's highly anticipated second full-length album PUREFLOW pt.1 drops on May 22. The album introduces two new concepts — 'YUSU LILY,' using water imagery to convey enduring vitality, and 'BIRCH SCAR,' expressing human fears and emptiness — and will be supported by the group's 2026 PUREFLOW World Tour, beginning in Incheon on July 11 across 32 performances in 23 cities.

(L-R) HUH YUNJIN, KIM CHAEWON, KAZUHA, SAKURA and HONG EUNCHAE of Le Sserafim attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. Noam Galai/Getty Images

Fan Backlash at Source Music

The injury news has reignited pre-existing concerns about the group's physical demands. Fans had already been critical of the intense choreography for lead track "CELEBRATION," which featured vigorous headbanging that sparked criticism even before Chaewon's injury was confirmed. Many took to social media to demand Source Music reassess the physical toll of its choreography on the group's members.

Despite her absence from promotional activities, Kim Chaewon is expected to participate in the album release itself. Source Music has asked fans for their understanding and support as she prioritizes her recovery.

PUREFLOW pt.1 drops May 22 at 1PM KST.