LE SSERAFIM’s “Spaghetti” Tops Charts, Sparks Backlash

LE SSERAFIM released the single “Spaghetti” featuring BTS’s j-hope; the collaboration — teased in a Matrix-styled clip called “The Kick” — marks j-hope’s first feature with a K-pop girl group. The song achieved strong early chart performance, hitting No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs in at least 55 regions (charting in 80), reaching No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 6 in the U.K., and its music video surpassed 10 million YouTube views within 22 hours. The single album contains two new songs alongside six remixes and was issued in 20 different physical versions. That release strategy drew fan backlash, with critics accusing label HYBE of manipulative marketing aimed at chart dominance. Reaction has been split between enthusiasm for the high-profile collaboration and skepticism over the commercial approach.