HYBE Terminates Kim Garam's Exclusive Contract, Leaves LE SSERAFIM

By Robyn Joan Jul 19, 2022

HYBE and Source Music have terminated Kim Garam's exclusive contract, thus ending her short-lived promotions with LE SSERAFIM.

Keep on reading to know more.

HYBE Announces Kim Garam's Termination of Exclusive Contract and Withdrawal From LE SSERAFIM

On July 20 KST, HYBE and Source Music announced that LE SSERAFIM member Kim Garam will no longer be part of the rookie girl group, and that they have terminated their exclusive contract with the idol.

The announcement was made through a notice on LE SSERAFIM's Weverse page. The statement, which was shared in English, Korean, and Japanese confirms that the group would continue promoting with five members instead.

HYBE and Source Music said in their statement:

"Hello.

This is HYBE/SOURCE MUSIC.

We would like to provide you with information on the decision made in regards to LE SSERAFIM member KIM GARAM and plans for the future activities of LE SSERAFIM.

Our company has decided to terminate the exclusive contract with KIM GARAM.

We extend our sincerest apologies to our fans and to those who have shown love and support to the group for causing you concern over the controversy involving the member.

LE SSERAFIM will continue their activities as a five-member group, and we will spare no effort to support the group to grow further as artists through their music and performance.

Thank you."

Prior to LE SSERAFIM's debut, Kim Garam became embroiled in school bullying accusations after a post on an online community forum claimed such. The accusations quickly spread, and more individuals, who claimed to be the idol's former schoolmates, stepped up to share alleged evidences of Kim Garam being a perpetrator of school violence.

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(Photo : Twitter: @IM_LESSERAFIM)
Former LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam

HYBE and Source Music initially denied these accusations and announced their intention to take legal measures. However, due to the continuous onslaught of alleged evidences being shared online against Kim Garam, the company ultimately announced that Kim Garam would be going on a hiatus from group activities.

Since May, LE SSERAFIM has been promoting as five members. And despite the uncertainty surrounding Kim Garam's status within the group, HYBE and Source Music had stated that they had no plans of removing the controversial idol from the group at the time.

LE SSERAFIM Fans Have Mixed Reactions Over Kim Garam's Removal

While a member leaving a group usually saddens fans, Kim Garam's removal brought mixed reactions.

Following the announcement of Kim Garam leaving the group, numerous fans took to social media to express both their happiness and sadness over HYBE and Source Music's belated decision.

(Photo : Twitter: @IM_LESSERAFIM)
Former LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam

Many fans were happy that the company finally made a decision, as they deemed Kim Garam's school bullying controversy negatively impacts LE SSERAFIM as long as she was still an official member.

While other fans were saddened over the lost potential, especially as Kim Garam is still a young idol. As people didn't take too kindly with her controversy, many are hoping that she receives the guidance and help she needs following her departure.