LE SSERAFIM Dance Challenge Ignites Confusion Over Gender Identity
A recent dance challenge featuring members of the popular K-pop group LE SSERAFIM has stirred controversy among fans due to a misunderstanding surrounding a guest’s identity. The video, uploaded on October 25, 2025, to the Mnet M2 YouTube channel, showcased Chaewon and Kazuha performing the “SPAGHETTI” dance challenge alongside comedian Eom Ji Yoon. The interactions between Eom and Chaewon raised eyebrows, leading to a significant backlash from international viewers.
In the clip, Eom Ji Yoon appears to embrace Chaewon multiple times, including an affectionate hug and a playful tap on her forehead. The situation escalated when Eom leaned in for a mock kiss, prompting a startled reaction from Chaewon. This moment sparked outrage among international fans, many of whom were baffled by what they perceived as inappropriate behavior from a “man” on camera.
As the video circulated, numerous comments flooded social media platforms, expressing shock and disapproval. Fans questioned the appropriateness of a male guest displaying such behavior toward a female idol. However, the narrative shifted when Korean fans clarified that Eom Ji Yoon is, in fact, a woman. Eom was portraying her male alter ego, Eom Ji Hoon, a character she introduced in June 2025, which contributed to the confusion.
Korean fans took to social media to address the misunderstanding, commenting, “Excuse me, Mr. Eom Ji Hoon, you left the foreigners shocked. Please handle the situation!” Others noted the humorous aspect of the misunderstanding, stating, “It’s hilarious that overseas fans seriously got angry and said that the guy was crazy.”
Eom’s transformation into her male persona was so convincing that many viewers failed to recognize her true identity. Some comments reflected this surprise, with one user stating, “No, but she looked too much like a real man while hugging her.”
As clarity about Eom’s identity spread online, the initial outrage faded, and fans began to appreciate the chemistry displayed in the dance challenge. Responses on social media shifted from shock to admiration, with many expressing enthusiasm for the playful interactions captured in the video. Comments such as, “Chaewon exactly where she wants to be, I’m crying,” and “Oh, I’m sick, getting sandwiched between two mascs,” highlighted the lighthearted nature of the content.
The incident underscores the cultural differences in perceptions of gender roles and behavior in entertainment. While some international fans reacted strongly to what they perceived as inappropriate conduct, the Korean audience’s understanding of Eom’s performance as a comedic act illustrates a divergence in cultural context.
As the excitement surrounding LE SSERAFIM continues, the dance challenge has inadvertently sparked a broader discussion about gender representation in media and the importance of context in interpreting performances. With the misunderstanding now addressed, fans can focus on enjoying the vibrant energy that the group brings to their projects.
