The K-pop world is buzzing after LE SSERAFIM members Sakura and Chaewon abruptly unfollowed all of their former IZ*ONE bandmates on Instagram. The move, noticed by fans on Saturday, has sparked a wave of confusion and disappointment among those who cherished the group’s close bond, even after their disbandment in 2021. The unfollows appear to leave Sakura and Chaewon following only their current LE SSERAFIM group members, a shift that has quickly grow a trending topic online.
IZ*ONE, formed through the 2018 survival show Produce 48, captivated audiences for three years before concluding their activities. The group—comprising members from both South Korea and Japan—built a dedicated fanbase known as “WIZ*ONE,” many of whom continued to support the individual careers of the members following the group’s disbandment. The perceived camaraderie among the IZ*ONE members made the recent Instagram activity particularly jarring for fans.
A Sudden Shift in Online Connections
The change was first observed by fans on March 23, 2026, and quickly spread across social media platforms. Screenshots circulated widely, showing that both Sakura and Chaewon had removed all former IZ*ONE members from their followed lists. The swiftness of the action amplified the sense of surprise and, for many, hurt. Fans have been meticulously documenting the changes, sharing before-and-after comparisons of the idols’ Instagram accounts.
The timing of the unfollows has also fueled speculation. LE SSERAFIM is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback in April, and some fans theorize the move could be a strategic effort by their agency, Source Music, to further solidify the group’s current identity and distance themselves from past affiliations. Others suggest it could be a calculated move to generate buzz ahead of the new release.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing feelings of betrayal and disappointment. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), are filled with posts using hashtags related to LE SSERAFIM, IZ*ONE, and the unfollows. Some fans have voiced concerns about the potential impact on the relationships between the former members, while others have directed their frustration towards Source Music and HYBE Corporation, the parent company of Source Music.
whew if it was annyeongz tiktok would already eat them alive dang does this mean they’re also going to unfollow https://t.co/en9TAvEYVF
— twilight—☆ BLACKHOLE 💌 (@chuubry) March 23, 2026
“My heart just broke in like a million pieces,” one fan wrote on X, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Others have accused Source Music of orchestrating the unfollows, with some even posting harsh messages directed at the agency. The hashtag #SourceMusicIsOverParty began trending as fans expressed their discontent.
The Role of Agencies in K-Pop Dynamics
It’s not uncommon for K-pop agencies to exert significant control over their artists’ public image and online presence. Agencies often manage social media accounts, curate content, and guide artists’ interactions with fans. This level of control raises questions about whether Sakura and Chaewon acted independently or were directed by Source Music. While there’s no official confirmation of agency involvement, the coordinated nature of the unfollows has led many to suspect a strategic decision from above.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics within the K-pop industry, where artists are often bound by contractual obligations and agency directives. Maintaining a specific image and narrative is crucial for success, and agencies often prioritize group identity over individual relationships. This can sometimes lead to difficult choices for artists, particularly when navigating past affiliations.
As of now, neither Sakura nor Chaewon have publicly addressed the unfollows. Source Music has also remained silent on the matter, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind the decision. The lack of communication has only intensified the frustration and disappointment within the fandom. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and open communication between artists, agencies, and fans in the K-pop industry.
The upcoming LE SSERAFIM comeback, scheduled for April, will undoubtedly be closely watched. Whether the unfollows were a deliberate marketing tactic or a personal decision, the incident has undoubtedly generated significant attention for the group. Fans will be looking for any clues or hints about the situation during the promotional period.
The next official update regarding LE SSERAFIM’s comeback is expected on March 28, 2026, when the group is scheduled to release a concept photo teaser. Fans will be eager to see if the idols address the controversy or offer any explanation for their actions. The situation serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny and public interest surrounding K-pop idols and the challenges they face in navigating their personal and professional lives.
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