How do Koreans React to LE SSERAFIM’s “Hot”? Disappointing at First but There’s Hope

Recently, LE SSERAFIM made their comeback to the K-pop scene with the mini album “HOT” and the title track and MV of the same name. The new E.P from LE SSERAFIM has been praised for its catchy music, fitting the summer trend. Compared to previous comebacks, this title track has a lighter melody and is easier to replay. However, the girl group did not exactly have smooth-sailing experience with this comeback.

In particular, after more than three days after its release, LE SSERAFIM’s new music has gone through quite the experience on music charts. In terms of domestic achievements on its first day, the song “HOT” failed to enter the MelOn Top 100. By 9 AM on March 17 (KST), “HOT” climbed to #39 on MelOn, #15 on Bugs, #35 on Genie, and #50 on Flo. 

By the afternoon, the song had dropped 20 spots on MelOn, before rising again the next day, showing a fluctuating trend that somewhat drew concerns. However, it is important to note that LE SSERAFIM is competing against names like G-Dragon, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, and IVE, so the chart performance will be somewhat affected.

Internationally, “HOT” debuted at #175 on Spotify’s Global Chart with over 1.4 million first-day streams. By the second day, LE SSERAFIM failed to maintain their position on Spotify’s Global Chart. Released at noon on Friday with 20 hours of counting for streaming, the stream count of “HOT” still fell behind their previous title track “Crazy”. In the U.S., LE SSERAFIM was ‘invisible’ on both Spotify and Apple Music.

On the release day of the E.P “HOT”, LE SSERAFIM held a showcase along with a livestream, but the audience turnout was underwhelming—only around 7,000 viewers. On the other hand, however, the MV for “HOT” gained over 23 million views in three days, and the song is charting well in Japan with physical albums being completely sold out in this same country. 

Overall, while the performance of LE SSERAFIM still draws concern with its chart performance, it seems that the girl group is still achieving decent results in other categories. Below are some reactions from Korean netizens regarding the girl group’s latest comeback:

• The songs are of great quality, but I like the b-side tracks more than the title
• People who are somewhat interested seem to have had a good reaction so far, but complete muggles don’t really know they made a comeback 
• I think that “Come Over” is more popular with foreigners
• The music this time is pretty public friendly, so I think the chart ranking will continue to rise

On the other hand, LE SSERAFIM has been trying to prove themselves ever since becoming embroiled in controversies with their “live singing disaster” at the 2024 Coachella. During this comeback, LE SSERAFIM has shown effort in improving their vocals, with live vocals in promotional stages being noted as louder and clearer.

Additionally, LE SSERAFIM’s comeback was heavily invested in—from concept and visuals to trendy music, but it was being overshadowed by ongoing heated entertainment topics – particularly the controversies of Kim Soo-hyun and his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron.