Meeting with several news outlets at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th, LE SSERAFIM member Heo Yunjin said, “We have returned with our second full-length album after three years. There are as many as 11 new songs. I am looking forward to it because I think we can convey a message through diverse music. It is very exciting music that we can all enjoy together.”
She added, “A full-length album carries weight. It requires accumulated experience and must contain a message. It naturally took three years as we gained a lot of experience through our activities.”
Hong Eunchae also said, “It is an album filled with various genres and messages, and I hope it receives as much love as everyone has poured their hearts into it,” while Sakura stated, “I am glad to be able to show various sides of ourselves through extended activities following the pre-release song ‘Celebration.’ We have grown over the past three years, and I thought that ‘now’ is the time to show these diverse sides.”
Their second full-length album, 'PUREFLOW' pt. 1, is a record that most honestly captures the emotions and thoughts of LE SSERAFIM in 2026. It conveys a message of moving forward based on an attitude of embracing fear rather than denying it, and the new strength discovered through each other.
Yunjin explained, “When LE SSERAFIM first debuted, we conveyed the message that ‘we are strong because we have no fear,’ but now we convey the message that ‘we were able to become strong by facing our fears.’ All 11 included songs capture the grown-up and solidified side of LE SSERAFIM.”
What is the background behind LE SSERRAFIM’s growth through facing fear? Eunchae said, “In the early days of our debut, we possessed an energy and strength that could only be found at that time,” adding, “While promoting, we were loved and experienced a variety of emotions. I suppose you could say that our perception of fear, which naturally arose from that, changed. Experiencing so many emotions, we naturally came to know ourselves.”
Yunjin says that she has formed an even closer bond with LE SSERAFIM. “Since it’s person-to-person, I naturally had some fear regarding interpersonal relationships. We talked a lot during the world tour and grew a step closer. The album contains a lot of stories between the members.”
That is why the members wanted to hear that their second full-length album is “true to LE SSERAFIM.” Eunchae said, “That makes me feel good. The early days of our debut were a time of finding our identity and color. I want to hear that we are true to LE SSERAFIM and that we are really cool.”
“The biggest message of ‘Boompala’ is, ‘There are no obstacles, so there is no fear. If you change your perspective on fear, depending on your attitude, fear might actually be an illusion.’ You might think of it as easy listening, but I intended it to sound like you are chanting a spell to yourself. When viewed alongside the performance, you can feel a very exciting and energetic vibe.” Sakura mentioned that she made changes to her vocals, stating, “During recording, I received feedback to ‘not sing while singing.’ I kept thinking about what it would feel like not to sing. I made about five revisions and spent a month just shouting ‘Boompala.’” LE SSERAFIM reportedly thought, “This is it!” the first time they heard ‘Boompala.’ “When we first heard ‘Boompala,’ it had a serious feel to it because the ‘Macarena’ sampling hadn’t been included yet. After the sampling, we said to each other, ‘This is it!’ We start the performance sitting in a meditative posture, and I think many people will be able to easily follow along and enjoy it.”
The concept photos for 'Boompala' were also unique, breaking away from the conventions of existing girl groups. Eunchae stated, "The charm of our group is that we always effectively convey the message of a new album through concept photos," adding, "We wore special effects makeup and took photos that fit the concept. Since we were going to show it anyway, I wanted to show it faithfully, and I feel a sense of liberation."
Kazuha added , "I got a short haircut for these concept photos, which was a big challenge for me. I always want to try styling and hair that can express the concept well. I discover a new version of myself every time."
In fact, through the 'BIRCH SCAR' version of the 'Boompala' concept photos, LE SSERAFIM showcased a creature concept reminiscent of the classic novel 'Frankenstein'. “The phrase for our debut album, ‘Fearless,’ was inspired by and borrowed from ‘Frankenstein.’ The idea came up to revisit fear and return to the starting point by borrowing from ‘Frankenstein.’ Since it is important for our team to express autobiographical voices, we always wanted to show a fresh perspective.”
I became curious about the differences between LE SSERAFIM at the time of their debut and the LE SSERAFIM of today. Kazuha said, “We were fearless and had the courage to feel like we could do anything. We grew by having various experiences and learning about our own fears. The biggest difference is that we gained the driving force to acknowledge our fears and move forward.”
Sakura added, “Our teamwork has improved significantly. In the past, we tried to only say nice things to each other, but while on the world tour, we came to acknowledge and accept our differences. This album contains many stories about that.”
Although LE SSERAFIM is one of the representative girl groups that has received attention and love since their debut, they stumbled briefly in 2024. After receiving public criticism for their live performance skills at the Coachella Festival, they found themselves in a position where they were constantly being evaluated. Since then, LE SSERAFIM has worked tirelessly to make amends, becoming stronger and growing in the process. Last year, they entered the Tokyo Dome and drew 80,000 spectators, solidifying their position once again.
Eunchae expressed her anticipation for their second full-length album, 'PUREFLOW' pt.1, which is scheduled for release on the 22nd, saying, “Whenever we are about to make a comeback, I always get excited whenever we get to show something new.”
Yunjin confessed, “When we entered the Tokyo Dome last year, which was a dream stage, those two days were truly unforgettable. Such moments become a driving force. I also feel fear about the fact that everything comes to an end and that nothing lasts forever.”
Kazuha also shared, “When preparing a new album or trying new things, we sometimes hit a wall. I do waver at times like that, but I try not to avoid the feeling of fear. I try to look at it positively, believing that I can grow more.”
As LE SSERAFIM began to confront their fears, each member had their own way of overcoming their wounds. Yunjin said, “I believe I have shaped the ‘me’ of this process. I try to show positive energy with the members on stage, and I am grateful for every step of the process. I hope that there are people who find comfort or positive influence by seeing this positive side of me.”
Sakura stated , “It is a source of pride for me that I was able to stand up again despite being hurt,” adding, “I want to continue releasing songs that can be a source of courage.” Yunjin also empathized, adding, “Talking about wounds can be shameful. However, when shame meets shame, it is no longer shame but solidarity.”
That is why LE SSERAFIM overcame their fears through music. Sakura said, “Yunjin works on songs a lot, and she thinks about how she can bring us to life even more. Looking at the lyrics, I thought, ‘Yunjin must have been thinking this way about us,’ and it felt like receiving a declaration of love. She is a member with a lot of affection for the team. I thought I needed to do an even better job with the recording.”
Kazuha said that the title track "Boompala" from their second studio album brought her comfort, stating, "When going through difficult and tough times, I get the feeling that those times are everything and that they will continue to be that way. In fact, if you broaden your perspective, it is just a process. It is not everything. I want to convey that feeling."
Finally, Eunchae expressed her deep affection for the fandom "FEARNOT," saying, "I am comforted when I stand on stage and look into the eyes of so many fans."
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