A series of viral clips featuring aespa’s Karina have sparked a wave of extreme online criticism, with some netizens accusing the idol of having an artificial and over-the-top personality. The controversy has ignited debates among fans about the scrutiny female idols face and revealed apparent double standards within the K-pop community.
What Sparked the Criticism
Several short video clips of Karina’s behavior during public appearances recently went viral on social media platforms. These videos compiled moments showing her reactions to various situations, which some viewers labeled as “overreacting.”
One widely shared clip shows Karina reacting to BTS’s J-Hope dancing near her. Another captures the moment she accepted an award on stage and appeared to forget where the microphone stand was located. A particularly popular clip included in the criticism shows Karina mistakenly calling her own group “aespo” during an acceptance speech before quickly correcting herself with a laugh.
The compilation gained traction through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that drew substantial engagement. Many comments agreed with the original poster’s assertion that Karina displays an exaggerated personality. Some critics went further, referencing her earlier apology for a political controversy as additional evidence of what they perceived as problematic behavior.
Fan Support and Counterarguments
In response to the criticism, many fans have rushed to Karina’s defense, arguing that the hate campaign against her has gone too far. Supporters point out that ordinary moments like her running, nearly tripping, laughing, or simply breathing are being maliciously edited to fit a negative narrative.
One fan expressed frustration via social media, stating: “This is what the hate toward Karina really looks like. Even if she’s just running, almost tripping, laughing, or simply breathing, they maliciously edit everything and push this narrative that she’s ‘trying too hard,’ and it turns into girls tearing down other girls.”
The criticism expanded beyond her personality traits when some online commentators accused Karina of wearing “butt pads” to alter her body proportions during a brand event. The debate centered around footage from a pop-up event for Krush beer where the back of her jeans appeared to protrude in a way some claimed looked unnatural. Fans were quick to note that clothing alterations are common in K-pop styling and can sometimes create unusual bunching, especially with stiff fabrics like denim. This wasn’t the first time such accusations emerged in the K-pop industry, with similar debates involving other female idols including her own group member Ningning, as well as ITZY’s Yuna and Red Velvet’s Wendy.
The “Pick Me” Allegations and Double Standards
Further criticism emerged when another viral video accused Karina of “pick me” behavior, a term describing someone who seeks validation through exaggerated mannerisms. The comments section saw numerous netizens labeling her actions with this term and drawing comparisons to other idols.
Interestingly, this particular criticism sparked a significant counter-movement among netizens who pointed out glaring double standards in the K-pop community. Many observers noted that IVE’s Wonyoung has faced years of intense criticism for very similar cute behaviors and aegyo (cute expressions), yet Karina was receiving different treatment for comparable actions.
This comparison ignited a larger conversation about how female idols are often held to different standards, with many fans demanding an apology for Wonyoung after noticing the inconsistent reactions from the community. The discussion highlighted what many perceive as hypocritical treatment of similar behaviors across different idols.
Karina’s Recent Activities and Fan Appreciation
Despite the online criticism, Karina continues to maintain a strong connection with her supportive fanbase. In a recent live broadcast, she opted for a calm and relatable approach by hosting a “study with me” session where she simply sat, read, and studied with tens of thousands of fans watching.
The relaxed broadcast featured Karina intensely focused on her reading and note-taking, creating a serene atmosphere that many viewers appreciated. One fan captured the general sentiment, tweeting: “I love Karina so much, she just randomly goes live on a quiet Monday and decides to do a little ‘study with me’ session, sitting there reading her book taking notes completely in her own world.”
This quieter side of Karina presented a stark contrast to the “overreacting” personality some critics had accused her of having, showing a more multifaceted individual beyond the viral clips.
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Political Controversy and Additional Scrutiny
The recent personality criticism comes shortly after Karina found herself at the center of a different controversy in May 2025, when an Instagram post sparked accusations of political endorsement. She had uploaded photos of herself wearing a red jacket with the number ‘2’ displayed prominently, along with a flower emoji in the caption.
Some netizens quickly interpreted this as support for a specific conservative political candidate, as both the color red and the number two were associated with that candidate’s campaign. The post drew enthusiastic responses from supporters of that political party, while critics argued that public figures should be more cautious during sensitive election periods.
As the controversy gained traction, Karina deleted the post and addressed the situation through a fan communication platform, stating: “I had absolutely no political intent. I will be more mindful and careful in the future.” She later elaborated on a variety show, explaining, “I didn’t have that intention at all, so I wanted to talk about it. I wanted to say that I’m so sorry for making our fans and many other people worry.”
The incident caused concern for the various brands Karina represents, though most treated it as an unfortunate misunderstanding rather than a deliberate endorsement. A representative from one of her affiliated brands commented that such misunderstandings are not uncommon during politically sensitive times, noting that “even fashion choices or gestures unrelated to politics can be misinterpreted.”
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