HYBE girl groups ILLIT and KATSEYE unite at LE SSERAFIM's tour stop ！ Fans troll NewJeans amid ADOR legal battle
While LE SSERAFIM delivered a high-energy performance, fellow HYBE girl groups ILLIT and KATSEYE were spotted in the audience, coming out to support their labelmates following months of public controversies and industry challenges and hate trains.
LE SSERAFIM's Seoul stop of their EASY CRAZY HOT world tour at Inspire Arena, Incheon, on April 19, 2025, turned into a special reunion for HYBE's current girl groups. While LE SSERAFIM delivered a high-energy performance, fellow HYBE girl groups ILLIT and KATSEYE were spotted in the audience, coming out to support their labelmates.
After the show, the three groups shared a series of pictures online, proudly showing off their close bond and camaraderie. The presence of ILLIT and KATSEYE alongside LE SSERAFIM served as a symbol of growing solidarity within HYBE, especially following months of public controversies and industry challenges and hate trains.
A statement beyond the stage
One of the most talked-about images ！ later posted by LE SSERAFIM on X (formerly Twitter) ！ wasn't just a simple backstage selfie. It Captured perfectly by Yunjin, it carried a deeper message of unity and strength.
thank you girls?? https://t.co/Fl0us5NQH9
！ LE SSERAFIM (@le_sserafim) April 22, 2025
Another striking photo featured Bang Si Hyuk, HYBE's chairman, standing proudly at the center, surrounded by the three girl groups. The moment sent a clear signal: one company, one vision, and one fight against adversity.
Fans troll NewJeans
However, while many fans praised the display of women supporting women, the event also sparked trolling directed at NewJeans. Despite being under the HYBE umbrella, NewJeans ！ currently signed to ADOR ！ was notably absent, as their ongoing legal battle with the agency keeps them isolated from the rest of the HYBE family.
Fans flooded social media, mocking NewJeans, suggesting the group could have been part of these pictures "if they hadn't blindly followed Min Hee Jin." NewJeans has remained loyal to their former CEO, who was removed from ADOR following a high-profile dispute with HYBE.
In Another Universe Illit, NewJeans, And Le Sserafim Were Sister Groups And Had A Special Collab Stage That Would Literally Change Lives ??
！ Ashish Kushwaha (@AshiishKushwha) April 22, 2025
Recently, NewJeans lost an appeal in the ongoing injunction case with ADOR, which prevents them from taking independent actions or signing new deals without the label's approval. What was once viewed as a brave stand against a corporate giant is now being criticized by some fans online, portraying the members as five girls who risked their careers by following one person.
Katseye, Illit and Le Serrafim´ ??
！ ?? (@sophianism1) April 21, 2025
So Katseye is in Korea right now??#Le_Serrafim_Incheon_Concert#Day_Two pic.twitter.com/BY9WPsxD3D
NewJeans stans acting superior while their group is on hiatus, tangled in lawsuits, and surrounded by chaos. Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE are thriving, booked, and drama-free. The delusion is wild. https://t.co/406pLpn
！ lia (@talkingsaxyrn) April 21, 2025
When ur girlies interact with Jennie n Ros└ u were happy n never called it forced now that Hybe girls are together in one frame u are calling it forced friendship. You guys are insufferable. Stupid dummies.
！ MANON (@ManonBann) April 22, 2025
Bang Si-hyuk said
！ Aespann_jeans (@a1071364) April 22, 2025
LE SSERAFIM x KatsEye x ILLIT are the one team. (The hidden message: NewJeans fuxk off.) pic.twitter.com/1GwrKUZGdU
LE SSERAFIM's power-packed performance
On the performance front, LE SSERAFIM lit up the stage with show-stopping visuals and fierce energy. One of the most breathtaking moments saw all five members climb towering jungle gym-like stage structures, dancing boldly amid a whirlwind of fire, lasers, and smoke. The dramatic production amplified the group's signature boldness, leaving the audience in awe.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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