LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE's Iconic By Mistake joins other iconic K-pop diss tracks aimed at haters

K-pop idols are often expected to ignore criticism, stay silent during controversies, and smile through endless scrutiny. But every so often, artists decide to respond the best way they know how - through music.

The latest groups to do exactly that are LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE. Joining forces under the playful moniker KATSSERALLIT, the three girl groups have released Iconic By Mistake, a track that appears to turn online criticism into a badge of honour.


The song has quickly sparked conversations among fans, not only because of its lyrics but also because it joins a long list of K-pop tracks that have taken aim at haters, doubters, and critics.

Released alongside a music video on Wednesday, Iconic By Mistake sees the members of LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE caught in a high-speed chase while embracing the attention they receive online.

Rather than running away from criticism, the groups lean into it. Thank you for the comments / It's because of all your hate / I am iconic by mistake.

The message is hard to miss. The very criticism meant to tear them down has only made them more visible. The release comes shortly after LE SSERAFIM's second full-length album Pureflow Pt. 1 in May, ILLIT's EP Mamihlapinatapai in April, while KATSEYE is preparing to release its third album Wild in August.

When it comes to confronting critics, few K-pop acts have done it as consistently as BTS. The group's rap line built a reputation on addressing haters head-on through tracks such as Cypher Pt. 1-4, Ddaeng, and MIC Drop. Whether targeting industry snobbery, online criticism, or people who doubted their success, BTS rarely held back.

Their solo work followed a similar pattern where the members used music to challenge critics while celebrating personal success.


Before Iconic By Mistake, LE SSERAFIM already had experience responding to criticism. Their track SPAGHETTI, featuring BTS member J-Hope, approached the topic with humour rather than aggression.

Instead of directly attacking critics, the song embraced the idea that people could not stop talking about them. The result was a playful but effective reminder that attention - good or bad - often works in an artist's favour.

TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung joined the diss-track conversation through TAKEDOWN. Created for Netflix's animated film KPop Demon Hunters, the song targets the fictional rival group Saja Boys and quickly became one of the most talked-about tracks connected to the project.

While the rivalry existed within a fictional universe, the competitive and confrontational energy gave fans everything they love about a classic diss track.

Not every diss track has to be serious. Mamamoo's 1cm/Taller Than You remains one of K-pop's most iconic examples of playful shade. Instead of targeting outsiders, the members hilariously roasted each other over their heights, creating a fan-favorite song that remains memorable years later.

Hwasa later took a more direct route with I Do Me, a bold solo track that pushed back against critics and even addressed doubts coming from her own company's leadership.


For Stray Kids, especially their producing unit 3RACHA, responding to criticism has become part of their artistic identity. Tracks like CHEESE, DOMINO, and 3RACHA directly challenge people who questioned self-produced idols or underestimated the group's capabilities.

Rather than seeking approval, the songs embrace confidence and success as the ultimate response.

Long before diss tracks became common among idol groups, Epik High released what many fans still consider one of Korea's definitive anti-hater anthems. Born Hater, featuring Mino, Bobby, and B. I, openly tackled malicious commenters, industry fakes, and people who thrive on negativity.

Its blunt lyrics and fearless attitude helped cement the song as a classic within Korean hip-hop and beyond.

ATEEZ also joined the conversation through MATZ. Performed by Hongjoong and Seonghwa, the rap-unit track features assertive lyrics aimed at people who attempt to copy their style or ride on their success.

The song reinforced ATEEZ's growing reputation for confidence and self-assurance, proving that calling out critics remains alive and well in modern K-pop.