Karina, a member of the girl group Aespa, recently became embroiled in a political controversy over a photo she posted on Instagram. Some online users have raised concerns that a photo taken in Japan, where she wore a jumper with the red number ‘2’ on it, could be interpreted as supporting a specific party candidate ahead of the June 3rd presidential election, causing a significant stir online.
On the 27th, Karina uploaded a casual photo with a rose emoji on Instagram. However, the outfit in the photo became an issue. She was wearing a jumper with a black base and a prominent red number ‘2’. Some netizens associated the red, which is the symbolic color of the People Power Party, and the number 2, questioning whether there was a political intention. As the controversy grew, Karina deleted the post, but public opinion did not calm down easily.
Conservative figures openly expressed gratitude towards Karina instead. Baek Ji-won, the spokesperson for the Central Election Committee of the People Power Party, posted a scene from Aespa’s new song ‘Supernova’ music video with the phrase “SHOUT OUT TO”. Lee Soo-jung, the head of the Suwon Branch, even used a strong hashtag saying “If you touch Karina, you’re all dead”, expressing her support. Although the post was later deleted, it spread rapidly through online communities, sparking further debate.
The controversy also divided opinions within the fandom. Some warned against over-interpretation, saying “It’s just simple fashion,” while other fans released a statement saying “Do not drag female celebrities into political debates.” Karina’s fans expressed “The political freedom and freedom of expression guaranteed by the South Korean constitution should not be exceptions for celebrities” and “We deeply regret the reality where malicious ridicule and defamation follow a single SNS post.”
Meanwhile, as political interpretations are sensitive during this period, there are also criticisms that celebrities need to be more careful. Past cases involving figures like Kim Hee-chul and Hani who faced similar controversies due to voting certification shots or SNS posts suggest a trend towards being cautious to avoid unintended political interpretations.
Neither Karina nor her agency, SM Entertainment, have released a separate statement regarding the controversy. With fans and public opinions divided, the future outcome of this situation remains a focal point of attention.
