aespa’s Karina Criticized Again for “Insincere” Apology Amid Political Controversy, Netizens Divided

Karina of aespa has become the center of online debate following her recent apology over a politically charged social media post, one that many netizens are calling “insincere” and “disappointing.”

The controversy began when Karina shared a photo during the lead-up to Korea’s Presidential Election, wearing a red jacket with the number “2” on it. Online users quickly speculated that she was expressing support for People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, who was #2 on the ballot. Amid rising backlash, Karina deleted the post.

SM Entertainment issued a formal statement clarifying that the photo had no political intent. Karina followed up with a personal message on the Bubble fan platform, apologizing for causing concern and promising to be more cautious in the future.

However, Korean netizens criticized the apology as being insincere, delayed, and overly brief — especially compared to her past handwritten letter apologizing for her dating scandal.

Comments on theqoo:

1. There’s no real remorse for her actions. The way she mentioned “attention” in the message makes it obvious that she truly meant it. This isn’t just being thoughtless — it’s outright harmful.
2. She clearly realized what she’d done and deleted it quickly. So why didn’t she just post an apology the same day? The response is disappointing.
3. How could a female idol vote for #2…? How could aespa be a #2 supporter……??? I don’t feel a shred of regret from her — it just feels forced, and I’m shocked.
4. Didn’t she write a handwritten letter when her dating news came out???? I can’t believe this is real.
5. She just proved she doesn’t think things through.

But not all netizens are attacking Karina — many are defending her. A trending post on the Pann forum titled “Karina is seriously pitiful ㅠㅠ” gained sympathy and support for the idol.

The original poster wrote, “If I were Karina right now, I’d be trembling in fear…” Top comments included:

1. For real, Karina is the victim here.
2. What’s funny is that the people blaming Karina are the same ones always preaching about women’s rights. But now, instead of criticizing the perpetrator of sexual harassment, they’re targeting the victim. This is exactly why women become hesitant to speak up when they experience sexual violence. In the end, other women join in and attack them too — it’s like an instinct to side with misogyny.

This growing divide among netizens shows how sensitive the public has become to both political expression and gender-related issues, particularly when it involves female idols caught in the spotlight.