Kim Chaewon to return next week, overcoming neck pain

LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon, who took a break due to throat pain, will rejoin official schedules starting next week. This is not just a simple comeback notice. As promotions for the second full-length album 'PUREFLOW pt.1' continue, the leader is returning, and in July, the first performance of their second world tour will be held in Incheon. While fans' biggest question was "When will she return?", the focus has now shifted to "Which stage will she stand on first?"

The reason for the break was throat pain; the return begins next week

Kim Chaewon recently received medical treatment for throat pain and missed some schedules following medical advice to rest while monitoring her recovery. She was unable to participate in university festivals, Spotify's 'PURE FLOWERS LIVE', music broadcast schedules, and the 2026 Weverse Con Festival held on June 7. At the time, it was difficult to specify a date for resuming activities, but after treatment and rest, her condition improved, and it has been decided that she will participate starting from the schedules scheduled for next week.

The important point is that the return does not appear to be rushed. In K-pop performances, neck and shoulder movements often place a greater burden during dancing than singing. Especially for a team like LE SSERAFIM, which prioritizes powerful performances, the return of one member is not merely about filling a number. Stage formations, part distributions, and choreography intensity must all be readjusted. Therefore, Kim Chaewon's first schedule next week will serve as the first scene for both fans and the team's management to confirm her physical condition.

July Incheon concert, the first major stage to confirm the full group

The closest major schedule is the 2026 LE SSERAFIM TOUR 'PUREFLOW' IN INCHEON. The performances will be held on July 11 at 5 PM and July 12 at 4 PM at the Incheon Inspire Arena. Since the schedule includes both offline performances and online live streaming, not only the on-site audience but also international fans will witness the same starting point. This tour marks the beginning of a long-term schedule starting from Incheon and continuing through Japan, the US, Europe, and Asia.

Because of this, Kim Chaewon's return coincides not only with the remaining schedules for the second full-length album but also with the starting line of the tour. While LE SSERAFIM has continued activities with Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae filling the void, the presence of the leader who holds the team together is even more pronounced during concerts. This is exactly the moment fans have been waiting for. Whether the five members can complete the flow of 'PUREFLOW' together on the same stage from the beginning has become the key observation point for the Incheon concert.

Remaining checkpoints: stage intensity and the first schedule

The specific schedule that Kim Chaewon will handle first after her return has not yet been disclosed. Therefore, the next checkpoint is how the scope of choreography participation and stage intensity will be adjusted in next week's official schedules. When a member who has experienced health issues returns, what the fandom wants is a stable return rather than a fast one. If Kim Chaewon can continue her activities without strain and the image of all five members standing together at the July Incheon concert is completed, LE SSERAFIM's second full-length album promotions will finally find their true pace.