LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam's Audition Story Resurfaces – Here's Why It's 'Problematic'
Kim Garam's audition story prior to debuting under Source Music amassed attention. Here's why it does not sit well with people.
On May 20, Kim Garam continues to face criticism after Victim A spoke anew about the idol's school violence controversy. In summary, Yoo Eun Seo (pseudonym), the victim in question, presented their side through the Daeryun law firm claiming that the allegations against the idol are factual.
It was also unveiled that the "Notice of the Result of the School Violence Countermeasures Committee," showing Kim Garam as a "perpetrator," was also true, which was initially posted by an internet user.
As more people show interest in this case, the LE SSERAFIM member's interview where she narrated her audition story is receiving backlash as well.
How Kim Garam Joined Source Music + Debut in LE SSERAFIM
In particular, according to the firm, Kim Garam and her friends bullied the victim around the end of April to early May 2018. Just then, a past interview of Kim Garam with Weverse Magazine, run by HYBE, resurfaced and sparked discussion online.
It was mentioned during the interview that the "FEARLESS" singer participated in her first audition in 2018, aiming for Source Music.
In an interview at the time, Kim Garam said:
"Since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a singer. I'm actually very introverted when I was young, that's why I was much quieter compared to how I am now. However, when I dance and sing, I felt that my personality changed a little."
The young idol went on and detailed she became outgoing whenever she sang. She also recalled an anecdote with her family where they played the karaoke machine at home during their vacation.
She finally started to chase her aspiration to become an idol when her friend invited her to join an audition for Source Music in 2018.
"One day, my friend asked me to go to an audition together, so I started my first audition in 2018 and prepared in earnest."
Unfortunately, Garam failed to enter the company, but two years later, she was scouted and finally succeeded in her second audition under the same agency.
After a year of training, Kim Garam was selected to join the final lineup for HYBE's new girl group LE SSERAFIM, which officially debuted in 2022.
Why Is LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam Receiving Criticism for Auditioning in 2018?
This story might be inspirational to fans, but people were not happy about the idol's story. They highlighted that if the whole school violence issue is true, then Kim Garam would have auditioned for the first time in the same year she committed the school violence.
Others also voiced out how "problematic" it is as it will prove that Kim Garam has "no remorse" for what she did. People implied that while she was living her life, chasing her dream and all, she "ruined" someone else's.
Earlier, the effect of the alleged school violence on the victim was narrated. According to the Daeryun law firm, Yoo Eun Seo was unable to endure the bullying that they even have to transfer to a new school.
"A and their parents decided to completely stop the victim studies and expressed their intention to drop out of school due to trauma."
It was also revealed that the victim was shocked by the fact that they could not endure the extreme anxiety and fear caused by the assault, and eventually attempted to make an extreme choice.
READ MORE: LE SSERAFIM Kim Chaewon Reveals Why She Left Woollim for Source Music
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Written by Eunice Dawson
