Karina of aespa at Center of Political Storm Over Instagram Post
Karina, a leading member of the K-pop group aespa, has ignited widespread debate in South Korea after posting an Instagram photo that many interpreted as a subtle endorsement of conservative politics during a highly sensitive election season. The controversy has drawn intense scrutiny from fans, political commentators, and the general public, highlighting the precarious position of celebrities in Korea’s polarized political climate.
The Incident
On Tuesday, May 27, Karina uploaded a photo to her Instagram account, showing herself in a black jacket adorned with red patterns and a prominent number "2" on the side. She captioned the post with a red rose emoji. The image, reportedly taken in Japan, quickly went viral on Korean online communities. Many users dubbed her “conservative Karina,” “No. 2 voter Karina,” and “patriotic Karina”—nicknames commonly associated with supporters of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), whose candidate Kim Moon-soo is represented by the color red and the number two on the ballot.
The timing of the post, coinciding with the final televised debate of the presidential campaign, further fueled speculation about her intentions. In South Korea, K-pop idols are strongly advised to avoid wearing colors or displaying symbols linked to political parties during election periods to maintain an apolitical public image. The red color, number two, and rose motif were all seen as potential nods to the PPP and the ongoing "Rose Election".
Immediate Backlash and Apology
The backlash was swift. Fans and netizens criticized Karina for what they perceived as a lack of caution, with some expressing disappointment and others questioning her political stance. The post was deleted soon after it began trending, but the debate only intensified.
SM Entertainment, aespa’s management agency, issued a formal apology on May 28, clarifying that the post was an innocent snapshot from Karina’s daily life with “no particular intention or purpose.” The agency stated, “She immediately deleted the post upon realizing the potential for misunderstanding. We sincerely apologize for unintentionally causing public concern”. Karina herself addressed fans directly, writing, “I apologize to fans for creating this misunderstanding. I didn’t have any intentions [with the post], and I will act more carefully in the future”.
Broader Context and Ongoing Issues
The controversy comes amid heightened sensitivities around celebrity behavior during elections in South Korea, where even seemingly innocuous gestures or colors can be interpreted as political endorsements. The incident also follows a recent case in which the son of a liberal presidential candidate was fined for sexually harassing Karina online, adding another layer of complexity to the public discourse surrounding her.
Fans have voiced additional frustrations, citing concerns over Karina’s management, including neglected solo activities, last-minute schedule changes, and restricted opportunities for fan interaction.
Philanthropy Amid Controversy
Despite the ongoing controversies, Karina’s philanthropic efforts have continued to receive praise. She has reportedly made discreet donations, including 50 million won for overseas medical aid, contributions to UNICEF, and 100 million won to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to support wildfire relief efforts.
Conclusion
While Karina and her agency have both apologized and denied any political intent, the incident underscores the challenges faced by K-pop idols navigating public life during Korea’s charged election seasons. As the debate continues online, Karina’s career and public image remain under close scrutiny from both fans and the broader public.