Popular HYBE Idol’s Instagram Post Featuring “ICE” Message Sparks Hugely Divided Reactions

LE SSERAFIM Chaewon‘s recent Instagram post is going viral after having a “ICE” message, but it has sparked hugely divided reactions.

Amid the group’s ongoing shows in the US, Chaewon shared some photos from her time in Seattle.

In one of the photos, Chaewon started going viral as netizens noticed the wall used on the post actually said: “ICE OUT NOW.”

the gum wall from chaewon’s insta post actually says ice out now! pic.twitter.com/e3zZ5J65iO

— chaewon 🦋 (@chaewonkimpic) September 23, 2026

It instantly went viral with fans praising Chaewon for the message on her public Instagram post. Yet, netizens also had to defend Chaewon as many tried to criticize the actions, claiming the idol didn’t choose the location due to the mean. They added that when an idol does something wrong or is considered “right-wing,” they know exactly what they are doing, but when an idol does something like this, suddenly, netizens assume they know nothing and can’t be praised.

I love when people analyze chaewon’s ig posts and find subtle messaging, first it was anti war messages, then queer support, and now fuck ice. people keep saying its just a coincidence but how many times do similar coincidences need to happen before its an intentional?

— AJ | 不死 (@Lesseraphic) September 24, 2026

according to kpop stans when an idol posts something right win they knew exactly what they were doing, but when an idol repeatedly posts antifascist images they’re clueless koreans

— nevi 🌸 (@miyawakissme) September 24, 2026

The qrts being miserable whether she knew or not it’s a good message and I’m glad she posted it . Also, the fact that you are all acting like she’s dumb and can’t read is so stupid. It’s like you all can’t fathom the fact that the fimmies are good ppl.

— ⋆ 🍦ིྀ ⋆ (@formystarss) September 24, 2026

funny if it was something problematic they would say she is a grown woman who knows what that means but when its this stuff its suddenly a coincidence pic.twitter.com/VJIkHw5N31

— v!cky is seeing LSF! (@qibikki) September 24, 2026

The comments about the backlash Chaewon was receiving came from fans believing Chaewon didn’t understand the meaning behind the wall and just took it without thinking.

I promise you she can’t even understand what that means yall really gag at anything pic.twitter.com/SAVtQk0p3n

— hera🪝 (@herareah) September 23, 2026

the concept of u guys thinking a person who lives in korea and is rich gives any fuck about ice whew lord 😭

— rei (@riddlereii) September 24, 2026

she probably think it’s a protest against starbucks putting too much ice and not enough drink

— carlitos (@spideyalo) September 23, 2026

so what lmfao

— #1 aos pt 2 lover! (@joonsicarus) September 24, 2026

I…kind of doubt she picked this knowing what it actually meant.

— ThoughtfulRagdoll (@TRGames93) September 24, 2026