Former LE SSERAFIM Member Kim Garam Launches Personal YouTube Channel

Kim Garam, a former member of the popular K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, has officially launched her personal YouTube channel, 'garamonly,' signaling a potential return to the public eye. Her debut vlog, posted nearly three years after her departure from the group, quickly garnered significant attention, accumulating over 140,000 subscribers and 610,000 views within just two days of its launch, according to Naver Entertainment.

A Glimpse into Garam's Everyday Life

The inaugural video on 'garamonly' offers fans a glimpse into Kim Garam's daily life as she expressed her desire to document her acting practice and everyday moments. The vlog features her engaging in acting exercises at a practice room, studying at a university library, and playing the guitar, portraying the ordinary routine of a university student. This candid look has excited fans who have been curious about her activities since her hiatus.

Industry observers are interpreting the launch of this YouTube channel as a strategic move by Kim Garam to transition into an acting career or prepare for a broader return to the entertainment industry. Her decision to share these personal facets suggests a carefully considered step back into the public sphere, allowing her to reconnect with supporters on her own terms.

Background: Departure from LE SSERAFIM

Kim Garam initially debuted as a member of LE SSERAFIM in May 2022 under Source Music (a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation). However, shortly after her debut, allegations of school bullying during her middle school years surfaced. Despite her agency initially denying the claims, the controversy persisted, leading to Kim Garam's temporary suspension from activities just 18 days after her debut. In July of the same year, her exclusive contract with the agency was terminated, and she officially departed from LE SSERAFIM.

Following her departure, Kim Garam released a statement through an acquaintance, expressing her side of the story regarding the school bullying allegations. She is currently enrolled in the Department of Media Acting at Konkuk University's College of Art and Design, having graduated from Seoul Performing Arts High School. Her recent YouTube activity has sparked renewed discussions among fans and the general public, eager to see what her future holds.

Celebrities and YouTube Returns

Kim Garam's use of a personal YouTube channel for a return to public activity is not an isolated case among Korean celebrities facing past controversies. Naver Entertainment highlights that several figures who have faced backlash and effectively exited the entertainment scene have attempted to subtly resume activities via YouTube.

For instance, Chef Im Sung-geun recently resumed his YouTube cooking channel 'Chef Im Sung-geun's TV' soon after admitting to a DUI incident. This move drew criticism for being a seemingly rushed return, signaling a growing trend where YouTube platforms serve as a pathway for celebrities to reconnect with audiences independently. While such platforms offer artists a direct channel for communication and content creation, public reception remains varied, with many viewers still holding strong opinions regarding past controversies.