LE SSERAFIM set social media abuzz on 25 December after delivering one of the most talked-about performances at SBS Gayo Daejeon, thanks to a striking onstage collaboration with drag performers.
The five-member group — Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae — took to the year-end broadcast with an 'Intro' + ‘SPAGHETTI’ performance that leaned heavily into theatrical flair. Joining them onstage were drag artists Nana Youngrong Kim, KYAM, and RingRing, whose presence immediately set the performance apart from other stages that night.
The collaboration wasn’t entirely new territory for the group. All three drag performers previously appeared in the ‘SPAGHETTI’ music video, making their appearance at SBS Gayo Daejeon a rare extension of that visual universe onto a major terrestrial broadcast stage. In an industry where year-end shows often prioritise safe, conventional presentations, the move stood out for its continuity and creative intent.
Almost immediately after the broadcast, clips of the performance began circulating widely on X and Reddit. Fans praised the stage for spotlighting drag artistry on one of South Korea’s biggest music programmes, noting how uncommon it is to see drag performers featured so visibly in mainstream K-pop spaces. Many highlighted the performance’s choreography and visual cohesion, crediting the drag artists as an integral part of the stage rather than background spectacle.
le sserafim bringing drag queens with them for their stage is so so so special and important especially in a time where hatred against the queer community and drag queens is rising
— 利 ꕥ (@pionaes) December 25, 2025
forever proud to call le sserafim my idols ❤️🩹🏳️🌈pic.twitter.com/XQVtYDo6Lq
For LE SSERAFIM, the performance further cemented their reputation for bold concepts and boundary-pushing visuals — a defining trait of the group’s growing catalogue of live stages. As year-end performances continue to shape K-pop’s cultural conversation, LE SSERAFIM’s drag-inclusive stage is already being remembered as one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
However, the buzz wasn’t without controversy. Shortly after the broadcast, some fans took issue with how SBS presented the performance across its official platforms, pointing specifically to a YouTube thumbnail in which one of the drag performers appeared to be cropped out. The move sparked criticism online, with fans questioning why the drag artists — who were visibly part of the stage — were not fully represented in post-show promotional materials.
sbs intentionally editing/erasing the queen out of the thumbnail is insane work,, its because of stuff like this that what le sserafim is doing is SO important, queer people exist and will continue to exist regardless of whatever agenda you're trying to promote https://t.co/ld3RN6TaRf pic.twitter.com/oxElDHTu0Q
— AJ | 不死 (@Lesseraphic) December 25, 2025
Screenshots of the thumbnail circulated on X, fuelling debate about visibility and representation, particularly given how rare drag performers appear on mainstream Korean broadcast stages. As of writing, SBS has not issued an official statement addressing the criticism or clarifying the creative decisions behind the promotional imagery.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
1