aespa’s Karina Reveals Torn Cornea and Eyepatch Struggles During Billboard Awards Appearance
Karina has opened up about a painful eye injury that fans had no idea she was battling during recent public appearances, including the Billboard Women in Music awards.
During a live broadcast with fellow member Giselle on June 3, Karina revealed she suffered a torn cornea and has been wearing protective lenses. Giselle said “Jimin (Karina’s real name) had some trouble with her eye. We were filming yesterday and she kept one eye closed the whole time.” Karina replied “That’s why I’ve been winking more”, to which Giselle joked “I thought you were winking at me.”
When Giselle casually asked, “How are your eyes?”, Karina responded with a playful teary-eyed gesture. Giselle elaborated, “Her eye was hurting a bit. During yesterday’s shoot, she kept squinting one eye.”
Karina lightened the mood by joking, “That’s why my wink game improved!” But her next comments left fans concerned. “I had a torn cornea, so I’ve been wearing protective lenses for a while,” she explained. “I even have to sleep with them on and use eye drops constantly.”
She also revealed a behind-the-scenes moment from the May 29 Billboard Women in Music event in Los Angeles, where aespa was awarded “Group of the Year.” “At the Billboard awards, I had to wear an eyepatch, so I made a heart-shaped one, but it was too big,” Karina said with a smile. “I wore contacts over the protective lens. Honestly, it was a bit dizzying.”
Giselle gasped, “You wore contacts over the protective lens? That’s dangerous!” To which Karina reassured, “It’s fine now. Thankfully, no issues.”
Despite the injury, Karina delivered a poised appearance at the Billboard event. aespa’s heartfelt speech at the ceremony resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, “We’re honored to stand among such inspiring artists. We support all women chasing their dreams and hope everyone gets to unleash their potential. These unforgettable moments are just the beginning. We’ll keep repaying your love with great music, stay tuned!”
Fans have since expressed admiration for Karina’s professionalism and strength, especially knowing she performed and traveled with a serious eye condition.
Meanwhile, aespa debuted in 2020 and has received much love with hits like “Supernova”, “Whiplash”, “Next Level” and “Armageddon”. Last month, they held their second world tour “SYNK: PARALLEL LINE” encore concert at KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul.