On March 13, 2026, Kim Garam, the former member of the K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, made a striking return to the public eye by launching her very own YouTube channel, 'garamonly.' This move, after years of relative quiet and controversy, has quickly become the talk of the Korean entertainment world and beyond. Within just one hour of her channel going live, Kim Garam had already surpassed 10,000 subscribers—a number that would double to over 20,000 by 9 PM KST the same day, and her first video, simply titled 'ep. 01,' racked up more than 36,000 views in just two hours, according to reporting from Xports News and Edaily.
For fans and casual observers alike, the launch of 'garamonly' was a surprise, not least because Kim Garam has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her tumultuous debut and swift departure from LE SSERAFIM in 2022. In her inaugural video, Kim Garam addressed viewers directly from a practice room, explaining her motivation for starting the channel. "I wanted to record my acting practice videos or capture my daily life," she said, admitting candidly, "I have never done anything like this, so I feel awkward. Please understand." (Edaily, MyDaily). Her honesty set the tone for what would follow—a montage of everyday moments, from practicing acting at home and self-filming casual scenes with her phone, to studying in her university library and even strumming a guitar as she practiced a song.
There was no elaborate introduction or flashy production. Instead, viewers got a glimpse into the life of an ordinary college student, albeit one with an extraordinary past. The five-minute video included scenes of Kim Garam monitoring her own acting performances, taking acting lessons, and balancing her studies—a portrait of someone rebuilding and redefining herself in real time. As MyDaily noted, her "combination of acting classes and personal practice as she prepares for an acting career" has caught the attention of both fans and the broader public, who are curious about her next steps.
To understand the significance of Kim Garam’s reemergence, it’s necessary to revisit her brief but intense stint in the K-pop limelight. Kim Garam debuted with LE SSERAFIM in May 2022, a highly anticipated launch that was almost immediately overshadowed by allegations of school violence and personal controversies. Online communities quickly identified her as an alleged perpetrator of school bullying. Despite her agency, Source Music, initially denying the accusations and even claiming that Kim Garam was, in fact, a victim, the controversy only deepened as former classmates released old photos and documents surfaced, including evidence that she had received a disciplinary action (5th level) from the school violence committee (Xports News, MyDaily).
The fallout was swift and severe. Kim Garam halted her activities just 18 or 19 days after her debut—reports vary slightly on the exact number—and officially left LE SSERAFIM two months later, in July 2022. Her contract with Source Music was terminated, and she withdrew from the public gaze. The storm of allegations and counterclaims left fans divided and the industry wary. For the next several years, Kim Garam refrained from major entertainment activities, communicating only sporadically with fans via social media, especially after opening her own personal accounts in 2025.
During this period of retreat, Kim Garam focused on her education. She enrolled as a 2024 student in the Media Acting department at Konkuk University College of Arts and Design—a fact confirmed by multiple outlets, including Edaily and Xports News. There, she has been majoring in media acting, balancing coursework, acting lessons, and personal practice. The glimpses of her university life—studying in the library, rehearsing scripts at home, and taking acting classes—form the backbone of her new YouTube content and signal a possible pivot toward a career in acting, rather than a return to idol activities.
Her first YouTube video, while simple, was packed with meaning for those following her journey. It showed her not only practicing acting and daily routines but also sharing a brief guitar performance, introducing a song she was working on. This blend of artistic exploration and everyday life resonated with viewers, as reflected in the rapid growth of her subscriber base and the tens of thousands of views garnered within hours. As MyDaily observed, the video "illustrated a normal college student’s life," a deliberate move to present herself as relatable and grounded after years of controversy.
Public reaction has been a mix of curiosity, support, and lingering skepticism. Some viewers see the channel as a fresh start, a way for Kim Garam to reclaim her narrative and showcase her talents on her own terms. Others remain cautious, recalling the unresolved debates around her past and the harsh spotlight she faced during her time with LE SSERAFIM. The comments section under her video and across social media reflects this diversity of opinion, with some fans expressing encouragement and others questioning her motives or referencing the controversies that led to her earlier withdrawal.
Industry observers are also watching closely. The fact that Kim Garam is now openly sharing her acting lessons and practice routines has fueled speculation about a potential return to the entertainment industry—this time as an actress. As Xports News pointed out, her recent activities "have drawn attention amid speculation about a possible acting comeback." While no official announcements have been made regarding agency representation or upcoming projects, her academic focus and the content of her videos suggest that she is preparing, at the very least, for auditions or acting roles.
Kim Garam’s story is emblematic of the challenges faced by young idols in the hyper-competitive and high-pressure world of Korean entertainment. Her rapid rise and equally rapid fall from grace, followed by a period of withdrawal and reflection, mirror the experiences of others who have had to navigate public scrutiny and personal growth simultaneously. Whether her YouTube channel marks the beginning of a successful second act or simply serves as a personal diary remains to be seen. For now, the public is watching—and subscribing—in large numbers.
As Kim Garam continues to post, her journey from embattled idol to aspiring actress and college student will no doubt remain under the microscope. Her next steps, both online and offline, are sure to be closely followed by fans, critics, and industry insiders alike.