KATSEYE x LE SSERAFIM x ILLIT: Did They Hide the Biggest Fan References in the MV?

The new collaboration between KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT has already become one of those music videos that fans will probably analyze for months. Every scene feels intentional, every lyric seems to have a deeper meaning, and the choreography looks packed with little details.

Before I start, I want to make one thing clear: none of these theories have been confirmed. This is simply my perspective as a fan connecting different moments from the artists' careers. According to fan discussions, the lyrics were created by KATSEYE's team, the choreography by ILLIT's team, and the music video by LE SSERAFIM's team, which makes the possibility of personal references even more interesting.

A Story About Facing Hate

One thing that stands out to me is that many parts of the MV seem connected by a common theme: turning criticism into art.

The dentist scene immediately caught my attention. I think it could be a reference to the hate the girls received during their debut, especially the online discussions surrounding their veneers and appearance.

Another possible example is Daniella recreating the facial expression that brought her criticism during the "Gnarly" era. Instead of hiding from that moment, the MV could be reclaiming it.

The cornfield scene also feels symbolic. Since some people have called KATSEYE "corny," placing the members in a cornfield almost feels like the group is making fun of the criticism themselves.

Even Meghan's moment of saying a swear word instead of "thank you" could be a playful response to people who constantly complain about the girls cursing.

References to Personal Experiences

Some moments seem to go beyond general criticism and could be connected to specific experiences.

The lyric "engrave it on my tombstone" made me think about the difficult time when Chaewon received funeral flowers from antis. If that was the inspiration, the line carries a much deeper emotional weight.

Another scene that stood out was when the police cut the rope and Meghan is left connected to the word "God." As a fan, I wondered if this could reference the criticism she has faced after coming out as bisexual and the conversations surrounding faith and identity.

Identity and Belonging

The MV also seems to explore the idea of where someone belongs.

Yoonchae wearing what appears to be ILLIT's golden tooth, only for Lara to take it, is one of the most interesting moments to me. My interpretation is that it reflects the comments saying Yoonchae should have been in a traditional K-pop group, while the MV answers by showing that she belongs in KATSEYE and that being part of an international girl group is her path.

The lyric "look so deceiving" also made me think about Yunah and the discussions from fans who believed she did not fit ILLIT's concept. The message could be that appearances do not always tell the full story.

The Manon Theory

One of the details that fans seem to be discussing the most is Manon's presence in the MV.

Her furry boots immediately stand out, and there also appears to be an empty spot left in part of the choreography. My personal theory is that this could symbolize a place being kept open for a possible Manon return. Whether intentional or not, it is a detail that is difficult to ignore.

Small Details That Could Mean More

I also noticed that ILLIT's voices become unusually high-pitched during one part of the MV. I wonder if this is a playful reference to the group's recognizable vocal style and the conversations that often surround it.

These little touches make the video feel like a love letter to the fans who have followed every chapter of these groups' journeys.

Final Thoughts

Maybe every single one of these theories is wrong.

Maybe they are all coincidences.

Or maybe this collaboration was designed to transform some of the hardest moments these artists have experienced into something creative and empowering.

Nothing has been officially confirmed, but that's what makes being part of a fandom so much fun. We look for connections, share interpretations, and sometimes discover stories that make us appreciate the music even more.

For me, this MV feels less like a simple collaboration and more like three groups saying that no matter how much criticism they receive, they are still hereand they are writing their own story.