LE SSERAFIM is facing heavy backlash after their old song “SMART” resurfaced on X, which was released years ago. The track was released in 2024. It was part of the mini album “Easy,” and it also became a center of controversy; netizens accused them of plagiarizing South African artist Tyla’s hit song “Water.”
Table of Contents
What’s the controversy? Why is “SMART” trending again?
The LE SSERAFIM song, which was released two years ago, was under the shades again. When the song was released, it suddenly came under the radar for controversy and accusations of plagiarism, including South African Tyla’s song “Water” and other tracks like Doja Cat’s “WOMAN.”
The choreography of the song was also criticized and claimed to be “culturally inappropriate,” and some felt the outfit was too revealing. Despite the backlash and controversy created around the song, several fans defended the track and claimed that they were just following the musical trends, not copying someone else’s creation, even though the controversy around the song didn’t stop it from achieving the top place in the music charts, particularly due toTikTok and other music charts.
For You: LE SSERAFIM Sakura Comments on K-pop Trainees’ Shape
Fans Defended LE SSERAFIM Song SMART
Now, the song is being criticized again on social media. Netizens have accused the member of being racist while singing it. Again, the question of choreography rose, calling it inappropriate for the youngest member of the group, Eunchae, who was still a minor at the time of release. But at the same time, there is another section of fans who defend the group and argue that K-pop choreography often uses expressive, confident body language as a part of their stage performance, and there is nothing wrong with it.
They also envy that the styling problem was handled by professional stylists and teams, and went through management approval. Many have even focused on the chorus, and particularly on how the idols chose to pronounce the words, “smarter.” Some argue that the delivery sounds like an imitation of a Nigerian accent.
Another post claimed that the pronunciation felt off; it’s an exaggeration and offensive. While others say it makes them uncomfortable when listening to the track. Many points were raised online :
- Some sequences were labeled as too mature, according to the age of the members.
- They feel that visuals were appropriate according to the context, even if the other member was an adult.
But there is a section of the crowd who enjoyed the song and feel that the song represents a safe and generic take on Afrobeat elements. So far, there is no legal case registered or any official plagiarism ruling ever made. Many music experts explain how Afrobeat and Afro-influenced pop share similarities across many songs. Genre inspiration does not automatically equal copying. Before going further, it is important to understand that no member has publicly stated any intention to imitate an accent or to copy anything. In global pop music singer frequently styles word to fit the rhythm, note, or melody.
For You: Aespa Winter to I-DLE Minnie: K-pop Idols who got Injured at MAMA Awards 2025
Let’s look at it from a broader perspective
It is not just one song that gets so much backlash. Escape was increasingly incorporating global sounds like appropriate latent pop drill and more. Industry is expanding, and cultural incorporation is also increasing as industries are trying to incorporate different cultures within it, so the cultural appreciation versus appropriation naturally flows. And if we solely talk about afrobeat, it itself becomes a dominant global sound artist from different countries experiment with it, blend and use in their songs Even with local pop styles.
The lyrics for Smart by Lesserafim are odd and off-theme
by u/luvzz12 in kpopnoir
But Vener Jen Which is deeply rooted in the culture of Africa become a mainstream worldwide Conversation about credit rose. The question of authenticity and representation becomes more sensitive than useful. Some critics feel that the song Smart represents a safer and more commercialised version of afrobeat While others see it as a part of music’s natural evolution. Both the perspective is not entirely simple and fit in everyone’s dictionary.
For You: K-pop Idols Trying Short Haircuts: Is it your turn now?
The reaction has the reaction on social media was very diverse, from pronunciation, to choreography, and to the clothing of the idols. Backlash comes from everywhere, but there is another section of listeners who continue to enjoy the song without hearing any issue. It is important to note that the backlash has not erased the song’s success. It remains steady, and many fans still describe Smart as a catchy and a performance driven song.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was “SMART” officially proven to be plagiarized?
No, there has been no legal ruling or official confirmation that proves the song Smart was plagiarized. The accusation comes from online comparison and fans’ interpretation purely. A similar music style does not automatically mean they are copying the song.
Why is Smart running again in 2026?
Even after two years, the song was trending on social media as some clips of the song resurfaced on Twitter, which went viral. And brought back the criticism around it from the choreographies, styling, or even the pronunciation of the words.
Has the group responded to the new backlash?
No, there has been no official statement addressing the criticism resurfacing on social media, even from the group or from the agency. The debate remains largely driven by social media Rather than on any paperwork or industry action
