In a move that has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, LE SSERAFIM members Sakura and Chaewon have significantly altered their social media presence, leading to widespread speculation and emotional reactions from fans.
On March 23, 2026, eagle-eyed netizens noticed that both idols had abruptly unfollowed all former members of IZONE- the project group they were both part of from 2018 to 2021- on their personal Instagram accounts.
The sudden change has left many in the “WIZONE” (IZ*ONE’s fandom) community feeling blindsided, as the group was famously known for the lasting bonds between its twelve members even after their official disbandment.
A Narrowed Focus on LE SSERAFIM Identity
The primary cause for the “fury” and confusion among fans is the timing and nature of the unfollows.
Sakura and Chaewon now appear to follow only their current group members on their personal accounts.
This shift is particularly striking given that many of the former IZ*ONE members, such as members of IVE and soloists like Choi Yena and Kwon Eunbi, have frequently interacted with one another publicly over the years.
Some fans have expressed deep disappointment on social media, with one user noting, “my heart just broke in like a million pieces,” while others shared humorous yet skeptical takes on the sudden lack of digital interaction.
While some fans view this as a personal decision between friends, a significant portion of the online discourse has shifted toward corporate strategy.
There is a growing theory among supporters that Source Music or HYBE may have played a role in this decision.
Critics of the labels suspect that the move is an attempt to distance the two idols from their past group and emphasize LE SSERAFIM’s current, unified identity.
Fans have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustrations, with some explicitly blaming the management:
“SOURCE MUSIC WHEN I CATCH YOU I SWEAR,” and “i just checked it’s real…FUCK SOUMU.”
Speculation Surrounding the Upcoming April Comeback
Another prevailing theory links the social media activity to LE SSERAFIM’s professional schedule. The group is currently preparing for a highly anticipated comeback in April 2026.
In the K-pop industry, it is not uncommon for artists or agencies to “clean up” social media profiles ahead of a major release to align with a new concept or to focus all attention on the current team’s promotions.
Some believe this “rebranding” is a temporary measure to ensure the narrative surrounding their return remains focused on the five members of LE SSERAFIM.
Despite the intensity of the online backlash, neither Sakura nor Chaewon has released an official statement regarding the change to their following lists.
This silence has only fueled further interpretation, with fans divided between those who respect the idols’ right to manage their private accounts and those who feel a part of K-pop history is being erased.
As the group gears up for their spring return, the “unfollow controversy” remains a hot topic, serving as a reminder of the complex emotional ties fans maintain with project groups long after they have transitioned into new chapters of their careers.
