After nearly three years of silence, former LE SSERAFIM member Kim Garam appears to be making a cautious return to public life. Once a rising idol under HYBE’s rookie girl group, Garam vanished from the spotlight after a brief but highly scrutinized debut. Now, the quiet activation of a mysterious Instagram account has reignited public interest and stirred speculation about her future.
The account in question, @/garamonly, was discovered by online communities in early May 2025. With no profile picture, no bio, and just one post featuring a set of candid photos, the account is bare-bones—yet undeniably intriguing. The name “Kim Garam” is listed, and within hours of its discovery, the follower count surged past 381,000. No formal promotion. No grand comeback. Just a few casual images—and a lot of attention.
For fans, it’s a surprising turn. Garam’s departure from the entertainment scene was swift and total. Debuting in May 2022 as part of LE SSERAFIM under HYBE’s sub-label Source Music, she was poised to be one of the group’s breakout stars. But the excitement quickly turned to controversy when allegations of past school violence surfaced online. The accusations sparked heated debate and placed both the group and its agency under intense scrutiny.
At first, HYBE defended Garam, but by July 2022—just a few months after debut—her contract was terminated. LE SSERAFIM continued on as a five-member act, while Garam disappeared entirely. Aside from rare mentions in online communities and reports about her college enrollment, she stayed out of the public eye. No interviews. No posts. No statements. Her silence became part of her story.
That silence may now be breaking. The timing of this quiet Instagram debut has fueled theories that Garam could be preparing for a return to the entertainment world—perhaps not as an idol, but as an actress or influencer. Rumors of her interest in acting have circulated for some time, especially after reports of her attending Konkuk University, a school known for its strong arts program. A recently resurfaced campus video showing a brief glimpse of her only added to the speculation.
Online reactions to her reappearance have been split. International fans, particularly those who have supported her since the LE SSERAFIM era, have welcomed the return with enthusiasm. Many left comments of support on her post, hoping she’ll receive a second chance in the spotlight. Some even speculated that this quiet return might be a prelude to a new chapter in her career.
In South Korea, however, the reaction has been more reserved. While some expressed curiosity or cautious support, others were quick to revisit the controversy that led to her exit. The school bullying allegations remain a point of contention, and some netizens remain skeptical about her potential comeback.
So far, Kim Garam has offered no statements and made no announcements. But the Instagram account—and the rapid attention it has drawn—suggests that she’s no longer content to remain in the shadows. Whether this marks the beginning of a new journey or simply a tentative step back into the public sphere remains to be seen. One thing is clear: people are watching.
