Karina’s Red Jacket Debate Reignites After Netizen Highlights Global Use of Same Outfit
A viral post titled “Karina’s outfit turns out to be something many people wear.jpg” has reignited debate surrounding aespa’s Karina and her controversial fashion choice amid South Korea’s recent general elections.
The post, shared on the popular Korean forum Theqoo, has racked up nearly 80,000 views, drawing attention for attempting to reframe the narrative around her now-infamous red top.
The post included a screenshot from another online forum along with comparison images of global pop icon Dua Lipa wearing the same red jacket. The original uploader argued that the outfit was not exclusive or politically charged, but rather a globally worn and casual fashion item.
“It’s an outfit so common that even Dua Lipa wears it casually,” the post stated, preemptively addressing critics who might question the relevance of comparing Karina’s look to Dua Lipa’s.
However, the uploader also acknowledged the unfortunate timing of Karina’s Instagram post. The post was uploaded just days before the election, intensifying the backlash. “It was a thoughtless action,” the uploader admitted, while emphasizing that the situation escalated because Karina didn’t issue an immediate or detailed clarification.
The author criticized the ongoing trend of assigning political ideology based solely on clothing, especially when such interpretations lack context:
“Judging someone’s ideology or labeling them as ‘first-tier’ or ‘second-tier’ just because of an outfit… Personally, I feel a bit sympathetic.”
Despite the attempt to ease tensions, the poster acknowledged that the controversy is unlikely to fade soon:
“People will keep digging into it and won’t let it go. If it’s really unfair, I wish they’d properly clarify it at least once, but honestly, those who won’t believe it will never believe it anyway.”
On forums like Theqoo, the discourse has expanded beyond her initial post to broader issues of celebrity accountability, media bias, and inconsistent standards. Here’s a snapshot of what users are saying:
- “No, but even after she said she had no such intentions, promised to be more careful, and apologized, people still say her explanation was late, that she only explained via Bubble, and then call her the ‘FMK goddess’ (Femcafe goddess). Theqoo is the worst when it comes to that. They write posts with shielding-like titles but still subtly mock and criticize her. If Karina acted carelessly, then sure, she should be criticized — it’s her fault. But even after she clarified, people are still calling her ‘FMK goddess’ under every post… It’s just weird now. And I really can’t understand why Beenzino’s apology is considered sincere and accepted just because it was posted quickly…”
- “Dua Lipa is a well-known Labour Party supporter. In the UK, the Labour Party is red.”
- “Then go talk to the people who voted conservative (2nd pick), damn it. Why keep explaining things to those who didn’t (1st pick)? No one’s saying anything. Just let the conservative voters be happy among themselves, pleaseㅠㅠ”
- “Go write on FM Korea~”
- “Other idols are cautious even with something as small as a V-sign. Yet in this situation, it’s amazing that someone would blatantly post a picture in a red outfit with the number 2 visible. Her behavior at the awards ceremony after the controversy was also very disappointing. Trying to defend her by bringing in foreign celebrities is laughable. Karina herself seems totally unaffected by the controversy, just smiling and carrying on.”
This renewed debate reflects the growing sensitivity to political symbolism in celebrity culture, especially as public figures face increasing scrutiny for even the subtlest gestures during election season.
