For the members of Le Sserafim,?? ??? ?? few things are as essential as a pair of headphones. Whether they’re laying down tracks in the studio, tuning out the chaos of a bustling airport, or curating the ultimate playlist for a late-night dance session, the right pair of headphones is more than a functional tool — it's an accessory, a statement, and a key to their world as international superstars who spend a lot of time in transit.
The K-pop group’s latest collaboration with Sony Audio brings this idea to life with the release of a new Smoky Pink colorway for the brand’s acclaimed 1000X noise-canceling headphones. By fusing cutting-edge technology with the group’s chic, trendsetting style, the partnership redefines the relationship between music, fashion, and self-expression, something Huh Yunjin highlights as integral to their bold, confident image.
"When we first saw the actual headphones on the set of our commercial, it had a dreamy and transient kind of feel, which went well with the concept of 'Crazy,'" she shares with Mashable over a Zoom call. "Whenever we're on the go, we like to have our headphones with us. We like listening to music, but we also like the look of it. It's aesthetic." Yunjin laughs, then adds, "And it makes you look busy!"
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Le Sserafim’s Sony collaboration captures the essence of their lifestyle: balancing creative work with moments of unplugged downtime. Credit: Courtesy of Sony Audio It’s not like Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae need any help looking busy. As one of the industry’s most in-demand girl groups, the girls have spent more time accruing airline miles and being shuttled from one schedule to another than at home. Following the release of their single "Crazy" in August, Le Sserafim attended their very first MTV Video Music Awards in New York City, where they performed the club song during the VMAs pre-show and took home their first Moon Person. Then, earlier this month, they performed on the main stage at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, UK.
When Mashable catches up with the group in late October, they’re in the middle of preparations for their next album and the upcoming slate of end-of-year music performances. “We’re grinding,” Yunjin says. So, their tech becomes an outlet for creativity and relaxation amid their demanding schedules. For Sakura, the group’s resident gamer, her headphones are as essential for winding down as they are for work. Last year, she even crocheted ribbons and tied them in bows on her headset.
SEE ALSO: The 15 best K-pop songs of 2024 (so far)Accessorizing their tech like this reflects their unique personalities, adding a more personal touch to their busy lives. Chaewon’s phone background is her dog, Shiro. For Yunjin’s birthday in early October, the members gifted her with custom stickers of herself. Sakura proudly displays one on her floral phone case. "I put some on mine as well," Yunjin says, holding her phone to the camera. Her phone is a colorful mix of charms and characters that mirror her outgoing personality. She recently added a small dog charm to her device. "I used to have a lotus flower and a jellyfish charm," she adds. "I literally changed it two minutes before this meeting."
In contrast to Yunjin’s eclectic, colorful style, Kazuha takes a more minimalistic approach to her tech as she shows off her sleek and sophisticated black phone case. "I like things that are very simple and clear-cut," the lithe dancer says. "Not only for my phone, but I think the Sony headsets are beautiful, just in and of themselves. So, I use them as they are because they look cool and chic."
The distinction between their accessories speaks to the group’s versatility, blending individuality with collective unity. From Eunchae's fun, bold approach to accessorizing her cherry phone case to Kazuha's minimalist sophistication, each member brings something unique, reflecting their broader approach to fashion — always evolving and always on-trend.
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"If you feel like something is missing, adding a pair of headphones perfects the whole look," Eunchae explains. For example, the youngest member likes wearing her headphones around her neck. "It makes you look really relaxed and chill," she says. "Sometimes, I also put my headphones around my bag, so they dangle on it." Whether it’s sleek wireless headphones or a chic pair of wired ones, the group sees tech as a way to elevate their aesthetic.
"Our style is diverse," Yunjin says, "so having long-lasting accessories that can suit every look is important because our hair colors change all the time."
But their relationship with tech doesn’t stop at how they style it. As idols, they’re constantly connected to their devices. Their phones are tools for staying connected with their fans and indulging in their hobbies. Between rehearsals and performances, Yunjin scrolls through social media, interacts with their fan community, and, like many in the group, keeps her creative flow going by curating playlists for different moods. "I use my phone mostly to listen to music," Chaewon adds. Meanwhile, you can find Sakura watching her favorite dramas on her phone. "I spend a lot of time watching films and shows on streaming apps." Currently, Sakura and her bandmates are obsessed with the cooking competition series Culinary Class Warson Netflix. "Eunchae is the only one who hasn't watched it yet, but she feels like it's too late to hop on the bandwagon, so we’re waiting for Season 2," Yunjin laughs.
The members are also obsessed with their digital cameras, which they’ve personalized with stickers. "I know there was a boom for digital cameras before I was born," Eunchae says. "But I think people are enjoying that retro vibe and feel that those little cameras give."
But as much as tech plays a vital role in their lives, the members of Le Sserafim also recognize the need to step away from their devices every once in a while. Despite their constant connection to the digital world, they find ways to unplug and recharge in moments of downtime, disconnecting from the buzz of notifications and the pressures of social media.
Eunchae shares a fun ritual the group has adopted: "When we eat together, we'll say, 'OK, let’s put our phones face down and just talk.' If someone’s caught looking at their phone, they get playfully scolded by the others." It’s a small but meaningful way they create space for real connection amidst their tech-heavy lives.
Smoky Pink matches the dreamy vibe of Le Sserafim's latest EP, 'Crazy.' Credit: Courtesy of Sony Audio Yunjin echoes this sentiment, explaining that while it’s difficult to escape technology, she tries to use it more intentionally. "I try to interact with technology as a creator instead of just a consumer," she says. "We film TikToks between schedules or get together for creative projects. Yesterday, we filmed like 10 TikToks. It’s a way for us to stay productive and have fun with tech." But even she knows when to completely log off. "Sometimes I’ll just read or write, away from the screen, to reset."
Sakura, on the other hand, finds solace in more tactile activities. "I like to knit," she says. "It helps me relax and disconnect from social media. It’s a peaceful hobby that gives me a moment of quiet focus." For Sakura, knitting is more than just a pastime — it’s a mindful way to be present, away from the digital world constantly demanding attention. She’s also excited to read the paperback book her mom sent her from Japan.
For all the time they spend online, whether for work or leisure, these moments of unplugging remind the members of the importance of balance — using technology to enhance their lives while also taking time to nurture their creativity, friendships, and well-being in a more analog way.
Sony WH-1000XM5 in Smoky Pink $398 at Amazon