LE SSERAFIM’s upcoming title track “BOOMPALA” hasn’t even fully dropped yet, and it’s already the most talked-about and controversial K-pop track of the month.
Fans were excited for LE SSERAFIM’s return as soon as they announced their second full album, PUREFLOW pt.1. The early teasers for the PUREFLOW album, featuring strange, monster-like looks and high-quality visuals, immediately got everyone talking.
What Is “Macarena Sample”
But the mood changed once more details about LE SSERAFIM’s BOOMPALA began circulating online. The biggest issue was the news that the song samples the “Macarena.”
As teaser clips and previews spread, fans quickly noticed that a part of the song clearly sounded like the 1990s hit, which started a heated argument among fans on social media. Some fans thought the sample was a fun tribute to the original song. Others felt it was a lazy choice, arguing that using such a well-known tune meant the group wasn’t being original enough.
The backlash didn’t stop at the audio. Some fans also criticized the comeback’s visual direction and choreography, saying that it felt boring and unoriginal. Others went further and raised concerns that certain parts might be culturally insensitive.
Another major complaint was the rollout itself. According to fan reactions to the previews, the same short hook was repeated so often in teasers and social clips that some people felt Source Music was just trying to force it to go viral instead of focusing on the quality of the music. And for a title track tied to one of LE SSERAFIM’s most heavily promoted comebacks, the criticism only became intense.
Source Music later addressed the issue, confirming that the sample had been legally cleared and properly credited. The label explained that they intended the “Macarena” as a tribute and part of the creative vision for PUREFLOW pt.1, while also acknowledging fan concerns.