Le Sserafim returns with 'UNFORGIVEN,' denies plagiarism accusations

Members of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim pose during a press event at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. Courtesy of Source Music

Le Sserafim releases 1st full-length album 'UNFORGIVEN'

By Dong Sun-hwa

K-pop girl group LE SSERFIM denied, Monday, accusations that it plagiarized the music and concepts of popular Spanish singer-songwriter, Rosalia.

The quintet denied them at a press event held at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, to celebrate the release of its first full-length album, “UNFORGIVEN.”

“Our songs and concepts feature our own stories and messages,” leader Kim Chae-won said. “We would appreciate it if you could see them as our original creations.”

Shortly before Le Sserafim's comeback, some internet users claimed that the members' singing styles remind them of Rosalia and that the certain elements of their songs ― such as rhythms ― share similarities with those of the Spanish star. The plagiarism controversy has been a hotly debated topic online, but Le Sserafim's management company, Source Music, has not issued an official statement concerning it.

It has taken about seven months for Le Sserafim to return after rolling out “ANTIFRAGILE” last October. Anticipation has been palpable ahead of the release of “UNFORGIVEN,” as evidenced by the number of pre-orders. As of Friday, the album has surpassed 1.38 million pre-orders ― more than a two-fold increase from “ANTIFRAGILE.” Given this figure, “UNFORGIVEN” is expected to sell more than 1 million copies just like “ANTIFRAGILE.”

“'UNFORGIVEN' shows our determination that we will pioneer our own path without following the standard set by the world,” Kim explained during the press event.

Kazuha elaborated, “We offer the tunes of diverse genres ranging from hip-hop to Latin pop, so people can enjoy our album without getting bored.”

A teaser for Le Sserafim's first studio album, “UNFORGIVEN” / Courtesy of Source Music

“UNFORGIVEN” is fronted by the lead track of the same name, which blends hip-hop and funk rhythms.

“We attempted to highlight our confidence in our previous releases, but this time, we tried to pull off some new genres to bring our multi-faceted sides to the fore,” Huh Yun-jin noted.

“UNFORGIVEN” features Grammy-winning American musician Nile Rodgers. This is the first time that Rodgers ― who previously worked with prominent pop singers including Beyonce and Madonna ― has collaborated with a K-pop artist.

“When I first learned about our collaboration, I was so surprised because Rodgers is the creator behind so many songs that I listened to when I was young,” Huh Yun-jin said. “It still feels surreal.”

“UNFORGIVEN” also samples the main theme song from the 1966 film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” It was written by Maestro Ennio Morricone, one of the greatest film composers in history.

“As far as I know, it was producer Bang Si-hyuk's brainchild to sample this song,” Sakura said. Bang is the chairman of K-pop powerhouse HYBE, a company that runs Source Music as its sub-label.

“He thought it would be a good fit for us, so he got hold of the Morricone's family,” Sakura added. “I heard that his son readily allowed us to sample it.”

Huh said she felt like she was going to Texas from New York when she heard “UNFORGIVEN.”

“It was also reminiscent of the scenes in a Western movie,” she said.

Le Sserafim is already one of the most successful rookie groups in the K-pop scene, but the members still have big ambitions for the future.

“I hope our track can rank first on music streaming charts,” Kim said.

Sakura added, “I want to hold a world tour and meet our fans across the globe.”

“It was my first time to pen lyrics for a song in our album,” Hong Eun-chae said, referring to “Between You, Me and the Lamppost.” All Le Sserafim members took part in writing its lyrics, and Huh even participated in its production.

“I will work hard so that I can participate in the creative process of more tracks in the future,” Hong added.