K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, who have been winning hearts worldwide, are all set to make a comeback with their 5th mini album Hot, slated for release in March. To build anticipation, they dropped an intriguing trailer for the lead single Born Fire on February 21, giving fans a taste of what’s to come.
In the visually striking clip, members Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae look stunning and captivating in the various teasers and trailers released. However, it seems like the Born Fire trailer has also garnered plagiarism speculations online. Many believe LE SSERAFIM has drawn comparisons to Anok Yai and Sabrina Carpenter, with several scenes and concepts appearing similar.
What are the plagiarism issues?
In the trailer, the members embark on a surreal journey, crawling through plush, fur-lined tunnels and stepping onto a giant hamster wheel, moving in perfect sync with the hypnotic beat. However, many fans online have noted its resemblance to model Anok Yai’s video for Mugler’s Alien Hypersense.
Even in their concept photos, Chaewon has the word “HOT” written across her chest — a detail many have compared to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, where the title track’s name was similarly displayed.
H O T#KIMCHAEWON #김채원
2025.03.14 1PM (KST) | 12AM (ET)
💿 Pre-save & Pre-orderhttps://t.co/wOlYaJYRxE#LE_SSERAFIM #르세라핌#LE_SSERAFIM_HOT pic.twitter.com/9DBpWDjn0G
— SOURCEMUSIC (@SOURCEMUSIC) February 23, 2025
Reactions online
Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their belief that LE SSERAFIM, with every comeback, appears to be copying elements from trending songs or albums.
LE SSERAFIM Plagiarism Throughout Their Career:
UNFORGIVEN Era
Rosalía – LindaANTIFRAGILE Era
Rosalía – Chicken TeriyakiCRAZY Era
aespa – Concept similarities
Red Velvet – Chill Kill
Charli XCX – Concept similaritiesEASY Era
Tyla – Water
Doja Cat – Woman
Velous – Cliché… pic.twitter.com/y8xQVZ6a3R— 🕷️ (@baejeanies) February 23, 2025
One user wrote, “LE SSERAFIM has been seen plagiarizing Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter for their HOT concept photos.”
🚨 [BREAKING NEWS] #LE_SSERAFIM Have been seen Plagiarizing “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter for their “HOT” Concept Photos pic.twitter.com/ekQJ3nyg6G
— jm = 🐖 (@BTS_FLOP__) February 23, 2025
Another said, “LE SSERAFIM — every comeback, they copy. This is why this group will never be known for originality. Every time, they borrow from different artists’ works and present it as a new diva concept, keeping them from being anything more than mere imitations.”
Le sserafim->Every cb they gonna copy
this is why this group will never be known for being original,Every comeback, they copy a different artist’s works and present it as a new diva concept,which will always keep them from being anything more than mere imitation😏 https://t.co/GDN0QwN4ig pic.twitter.com/gyt780J51d— Life of Pi-R.P.🌈🧚♀️ (@cavubellaexggxo) February 23, 2025
A third added, “At this point, plagiarism seems to be LE SSERAFIM’s core concept. Every year, they copy from both small and big artists without any shame.”
at this point, plagiarism seems to be LE SSERAFIM’s core concept. every year, they copy from both small and big artists without any shame pic.twitter.com/xnhxAh5PgO
— aetridem (@aetridem) February 23, 2025
About LE SSERAFIM
The K-pop group LE SSERAFIM debuted in May 2022 under HYBE’s sub-label, Source Music, and consists of members Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae.
Known for their high-energy performances, bold girl-power confidence, and experimental musical style, they hold the record as the fastest Korean act to secure a spot on Coachella’s main lineup.
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