LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Opens Up About The Greatest Challenge She Faced During Her 10+ Years As An Idol
LE SSERAFIM‘s Sakura has experienced many things in her 11 years in the entertainment industry. Prior to joining her current group, she was a prominent member of AKB48 and HKT48 where she was the center of songs such as “Kimi Wa Melody” and “No Way Man.”
She became even more famous globally when she joined Mnet‘s survival program, Produce 48. Sakura landed in second place overall and was named a member of IZ*ONE.
Finally, following IZ*ONE’s disbandment in 2021, she re-debuted in LE SSERAFIM, the newest girl group of HYBE and Source Music.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Sakura talked about her history as a singer and the hardships that she faced throughout the years. Surprisingly, the most difficult thing she ever experienced was the hiatus period between IZ*ONE and LE SSERAFIM.
Whenever I’m having a hard time, I usually think, ‘This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.’ But this time it really was the hardest thing.
— Sakura
It was particularly challenging for her to be separated from her fans for so long. She did not perform in person or on social media while she was a trainee under HYBE and Source Music.
Her contract was reportedly signed in September and she debuted eight months later in May.
When I was working as an idol, I was used to performing on stage for fans, but it’s different as a trainee, when it isn’t being shared with the world.
— Sakura
It was also difficult to have one source of criticism cut out. Sakura had always valued the comments that her fans gave her after each performance.
I can’t believe how closely the fans paid attention to my performances—they would tell me I did a good job and give me detailed feedback. I was anxious about whether I was doing well or improving without hearing that kind of encouragement. It taught me how important it is to have fans.
— Sakura
She ended by sharing her goal to show everyone just how much she improved, saying, “I want to show them what I can do now as fast as humanly possible.”
