Tag: aespa Karina

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aespa Karina Reveals Heartfelt Family Letters in Emotional Video

aespa Karina

aespa Karina reveals touching messages from her family that show their unwavering support

In a recent video released by W KOREA on July 29, KST, aespa Karina opened up about the items she holds dear, including a collection of heartfelt letters from her family. During the video titled We’ve Been Waiting for Aespa Karina’s In My Bag. We Will Properly Serve You, she showcased various personal belongings, such as a notebook, a cat pouch, and a treasured letter box she has kept since kindergarten.

She proudly shared that the box is filled with letters from friends, family, and fellow aespa members. Among the most touching items were birthday letters from her parents and older sister, where they expressed their concerns about her health amid her hectic schedule. However, what moved Karina the most was a recent letter from her mother written after a concert, which she read aloud on camera.

In the letter, her mother wrote, “Physically, we can’t spend time together, but our hearts are always with you. Even when we’re with other family members, you’re always part of our conversations. Remember that you are the most precious and valuable person, and enjoy yourself well.” As Karina read these words, she became visibly emotional, showing how much her family’s love and support meant to her.

Fans were deeply touched by this glimpse into Karina’s personal life, highlighting the strong bond she shares with her family despite the challenges of her demanding career.

In related news, aespa has the latest releases, “Armageddon” and “Supernova.” The first single reflects an intense vibe with hard-hitting beats, futuristic elements, and a signature cyber-themed concept. In contrast, “Supernova” gives a more melodic side, blending vocals with rhythm. Together, these tracks demonstrate aespa’s ability to explore different musical styles while maintaining their unique identity in the K-pop scene.

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aespa Reacts to Bang Si Hyuk’s Viral ‘crush aespa’ Comment

aespa has finally spoken up about a truly hot topic. Karina has addressed the viral “crush aespa” comment made by HYBE CEO Bang Si Hyuk.

aespa Speak Up on Viral ‘crush aespa’ Comment

On May 27, 2024, aespa electrified fans and the media with a spectacular showcase for their much-anticipated comeback with their new album ‘Armageddon’. The members delivered powerful performances that highlighted their unique blend of vocal prowess, intricate choreography, and charismatic stage presence, reaffirming their position as one of K-pop’s leading girl groups.

During the interview segment of the showcase, reporters couldn’t resist addressing a recent viral topic involving aespa and HYBE’s founder, Bang Si Hyuk. The controversy stemmed from an incident where Bang Si Hyuk had reportedly sent ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin text messages that included a directive to “crush aespa.” This exchange quickly became a popular meme across social media platforms, capturing the attention of both fans and industry watchers.

Given the widespread attention, the reporters were curious about how this incident affected aespa during their comeback preparations. When asked if this hot topic added pressure, Karina, demonstrating her poised and witty nature, responded humorously, downplaying any potential stress. Her light-hearted approach helped to diffuse any tension, showcasing her maturity and media-savvy skills.

“We know all about the matter. Since it’s out first full-length album, we gave our all in practicing. We gained strength from the support and love [we received] and worked hard to prepare for it. I think it’ll be a satisfactory start with this first full-length album, so I am thankful for the public, as well as for our SM family and the members who have worked hard.” – Karina

Winter followed up with an equally composed and optimistic outlook. She stated that rather than dwelling on the controversy, the group chose to interpret the attention as a positive omen for their album’s success. This perspective not only demonstrated their resilience but also their ability to remain focused on their goals despite external distractions.

aespa’s handling of the situation highlighted their professionalism and ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of potential adversity. By addressing the issue with humor and confidence, they managed to turn a potentially negative situation into an opportunity to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

The “Armageddon” showcase was a testament to aespa’s talent and hard work. Their adept handling of the controversy and their outstanding performance underscored their readiness to continue dominating the K-pop scene. Fans and critics alike left the event with a renewed appreciation for aespa’s artistry and their unwavering dedication to their craft.

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Karina’s Apology for Dating Reminds Fans of AKB48’s Minami Minegishi

aespa’s Karina apologized to her fans after Dispatch exposed her relationship with actor Lee Jae Wook.

Earlier this month, she posted a handwritten letter on Instagram in which she addressed the news and fans’ reaction to it. She apologized for disappointing them.

Most fans rallied behind Karina in the comments, telling the K-pop star she didn’t have to apologize because she didn’t do anything wrong. Others criticized SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, for what they perceived to be SM’s poor handling of the crisis. They believe the agency shouldn’t have let Karina write the letter in the first place.

The case of Minami Minegishi

Some compared Karina’s apology letter to the case of Minegishi Minami, a former member of the J-pop girl group AKB48. In 2013, she was caught after spending the night at the home of Alan Shirahama, the leader of boy group Generations from Exile Tribe. A few hours after the weekly tabloid Shukan Bunshun published its report about the incident, AKB48 announced that Minegishi would be demoted to trainee status as punishment. The idol eventually posted a video on the group’s official channel, in which she apologized profusely to fans for what happened. What’s more, she shaved her head for the video (in Japan, shaving one’s head is an act of contrition).

The Most Tragic Case Of Breaking The Idol “NO DATING” Ban

At the time, Japan Times writer Ian Martin published an article saying, “What is happening here is the protection of fans’ fragile fantasies automatically trumps the basic human right to a life outside that fantasy framework. Though as lawyer Hifumi Okunuki pointed out in a Japan Times article on Jan. 22, such an arrangement is probably illegal under Japanese labor laws.”

Minami Minegishi’s case is similar to Karina’s in the sense that both incidents revolve around the pressures and societal expectations idols face. In Japan and South Korea, idols must maintain the illusion that they’re pure as the driven snow—which includes avoiding dating or even talking about it. It’s exceedingly rare for idols to date publicly. Karina may not have had to shave her head, but the fact that she too felt compelled to apologize says a lot.

When did Karina start dating?

Dispatch was the first to report that Karina and Lee Jae Wook started dating after a Prada show in Milan last January. The publication said the couple would usually meet in Lee Jae Wook’s neighborhood and take late-night walks together.

Karina debuted with aespa in 2020. Their group is known for the hits “Black Mamba” and “Next Level.” Meanwhile, Lee Jae Wook debuted as an actor in 2018 and has since appeared in several K-dramas such as Extraordinary You and Alchemy of Souls. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The incident involving Minami Minegishi happened over a decade ago. It’s kind of sad that things haven’t changed much since then. Sources: X/@rinaoutsold, YouTube/@Sandwellnews.

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aespa Fan Who Left Fandom Following Karina’s Dating News Goes Viral

Dispatch’s revelation of aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae Wook’s relationship on February 27 sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, sparking a wide array of reactions from fans, netizens, and even former idols. For one aespa fan, it was time to leave the fandom and his decision already has netizens talking.

aespa Fan Goes Viral for Announcing Fandom Departure

Among the myriad responses, one fan’s emotional post gained attention on Threads, a popular online platform. In the heartfelt message, the fan expressed disillusionment and heartbreak upon learning about the relationship. Having invested a substantial amount of money and emotional energy into supporting aespa, the fan declared their decision to part ways with the fandom, selling off their cherished memorabilia and merchandise.

The fan’s decision to sever ties with the fandom struck a chord with many, eliciting a mixture of sympathy and understanding from fellow netizens. Some empathized with the fan’s sense of betrayal and disappointment, acknowledging the emotional investment that often accompanies idol fandom. Others, however, criticized the extreme reaction, urging perspective and emphasizing the importance of supporting idols in both their professional and personal lives.

Karina’s Dating Bombshell

Back in late February, Dispatch reported about the couple. Lee Jae Wook’s agency, CJes Studios, swiftly confirmed the relationship, requesting respect for the couple’s privacy as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. Similarly, SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, acknowledged the budding romance, urging fans to show understanding and warmth towards the couple.

According to reports, Lee Jae Wook and Karina’s relationship began after they crossed paths at a Prada fashion show in Milan. Subsequent sightings of the couple on discreet late-night walks in Lee Jae Wook’s neighborhood hinted at the blossoming romance, offering fans a glimpse into the private lives of the two celebrities.

The news of Karina and Lee Jae Wook’s relationship underscores the challenges and complexities of maintaining personal relationships in the public eye. As fans grapple with their own emotions and reactions, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting the privacy and autonomy of idols, even as they navigate the spotlight of fame.

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Dispatch Reveals Actor Lee Jae Wook and aespa’s Karina Are Dating

On the morning of February 27, South Korean media outlet Dispatch broke the news that actor Lee Jae Wook and aespa‘s Karina are in a relationship. Hours later, Lee Jae Wook’s agency, CJes Studios, made a statement confirming the report. “The two are getting to know each other,” they wrote. “Lee Jae Wook is currently filming a drama, and as this involves his private life, we ask for warm respect to be shown.”

Echoing this sentiment, Karina‘s agency, SM Entertainment, confirmed the budding romance. According to Dispatch, the actor and the aespa member first crossed paths at the Prada fashion show in Milan on January 14 and started dating soon after. The report detailed their discreet meetings in Lee Jae Wook’s neighborhood and shared sightings of the couple during late-night walks, painting a picture of a nascent, yet promising, relationship.

@jaehyunboynextdoor

THEY LOOK CUTE THO 😭😭🫶 KARINA AND LEE JAEWOOK DATING NEWS #karina #leejaewook #dating #dispatch #karinaaespa #aespa #jaewook #kdrama #actor #kdramafyp #kpop #kpopfyp #fyp #fypシ #foryou #foryoupage

♬ Star – Colde

However, this romantic development seems to have cast a shadow over SM Entertainment’s financial standing. On the day the relationship was confirmed, SM Entertainment’s stock experienced a significant downturn, opening at 87,700 KRW (about 65.80 USD) and closing at 79,900 KRW (about 60.00 USD). This marked a decrease of 3,000 KRW (about 2.25 USD) or 3.7 percent.

This decline was surprising given the company’s recent announcement on February 7 about its decision to pay dividends worth approximately 28.1 billion KRW (about 21.1 million USD) and retire 241,379 of its shares. This strategic financial maneuver was aimed at enhancing shareholder value, marking a first in SM Entertainment’s history since its inception in 1995. The link between the dating news and the stock market’s reaction remains speculative. That said, the timing of the downturn is too big of a coincidence.

Dispatch has a history of exposing dating news

Karina, who debuted with aespa in 2020, and Lee Jae Wook, who has been acting since 2018, are influential figures in their respective fields. Meanwhile, Dispatch is known for revealing high-profile relationships, often at the start of the new year. This has become an anticipated event among fans, as Dispatch has a history of exposing dating news involving K-pop idols, actors, and other celebrities, leading to widespread media coverage and public interest.

As their fans come to terms with this news, the industry is watching closely to see how this relationship will unfold. Many are concerned about its eventual impact on both their careers and the broader entertainment landscape. The confirmation by their agencies marks a significant moment, blending the worlds of acting and K-pop in a romance that has everyone talking. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Apparently it was love at first sight for both celebrities. Source: X/@femmrohi.

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Look: aespa’s Karina Is Converse Korea’s Newest Ambassador

aespa's Karina poses in the campaign of Converse Korea. Credit: Twitter/aespa

Here comes the new face of Converse! On January 3, Converse Korea announced that they have selected Karina of girl group aespa as the newest ambassador for the brand.

After releasing a couple of hints and teasers earlier, Converse has officially confirmed that Karina will be participating in the brand’s spring campaign. Notably, the specific campaign will have the tagline: “Create Next, Nothing’s Wrong.” According to reports, the brand aims to deliver a message of support to the younger generation through this specific campaign with the idol. 

After the announcement, Converse Korea’s official Instagram account also followed the aespa member. Additionally, they also changed their Instagram bio to “De Luxe Collection with Karina.”

Moreover, the brand’s campaign video and pictorial featuring the idol is now available for viewing via Converse’s official website.

On social media, fans of aespa quickly expressed their delight in the idol’s latest ambassadorship. While the brand has been dropping hints that they’ll have Karina onboard, fans were still ecstatic to have it officially announced. As well as finally seeing the idol’s photos for the brand. 

Karina taking over with her visuals

With this news, Converse Korea is now the latest addition to the aespa member’s list of brand partnerships. 

Aside from Converse, Karina has also been selected by CHIC Magazine as the front page cover for their January 2024 issue. Interestingly, this will be the singer’s first cover appearance in a Chinese magazine.

Prior to that, she was also appointed as a model for Lotte Chilsung’s new beer “Kloud Krush” late last year.

Proving that her visuals go beyond the stage and brands, Karina has also been named as one of the top 20 most popular K-pop female idols in December 2023. According to the Korean Business Research Institute, Karina ranked 14th in the list.

In other news, aespa has recently made an appearance at the Kross K-Pop Concert in Japan. Despite an earthquake hitting Japan a few days ago, the event proceeded with a number of artists in the lineup. There, Karina, Ningning, Giselle and Winter tore up the stage with a performance of their latest track “Drama.”

Featured image: aespa’s Karina poses in the campaign of Converse Korea. Credit: Twitter/aespa

 

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aespa’s Karina Apologizes for Ignoring Text Messages from ITZY’s Yeji

One of the best things about being an idol is interacting with other artists and building friendships with them. That’s one thing that Karina has learned ever since she debuted with aespa. However, maintaining a relationship with fellow idols is not as easy as it seems. Karina just issued an apology to ITZY member Yeji for failing to respond to her text messages!

Karina Apologizes for Ignoring Yeji’s Text Messages

aespa was recently a guest on the MBC radio program ‘Kim Shin Young’s Noon Song of Hope’ where the group promoted their latest album ‘Drama’. During their appearance, the host asked if they had made friends with other idols and Karina admitted that she became friends with ITZY members Yeji and Ryujin.

“We used waiting rooms right next to each other, but we could hear each other and everything we said, so I wanted to become friends with them,” Karina said. “But I am extremely introverted so I would be conscious of them and was unable to talk to them first.”

Luckily, the ITZY members were the ones who reached out to Karina first.

“During this time, the ITZY members got the courage to approach me first by buying us watermelon juice, and told us ‘we want to become friends with you’. That’s how we became friends,” Karina said.

Although it’s great news for MYs and MIDZYs, Karina also revealed that she struggles to stay in contact with her new friends. She then took the chance to issue an apology to Yeji, who had been sending several unanswered text messages.

“I am only fast in replying to my team members, so I don’t reply to Yeji promptly. I want to use this opportunity to apologize to her,” Karina said.

Hopefully, Yeji sees Karina’s apology and understands how busy her new friend is!

aespa is currently promoting their new album ‘Drama’ and the title track of the same name.

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aespa’s Karina Seemingly Shades Other Girl Groups for Infighting

Karina recently spoke about the relationship she shares with the three other members of aespa in a high-profile interview. However, netizens believe that the idol’s comments threw some shade at other girl groups!

Karina Discusses Her Relationship with Other Aespa Members

In the latest episode of Rolling Stone‘s “Musicians on Musicians” video series, aespa and international artist Grimes interviewed each other. At one point, Grimes asked Karina about working with three other members.

“How is it like working with all four of you and negotiating and all that?” the Canadian singer asked. “In many ways, it’s great but every time I do have a creative partner, it is so fulfilling, but sometimes you fight.”

Interestingly, Karina pointed out that she considers the other aespa members as family and that they naturally get along well.

“Even though all four of us have different personalities, I think we come together well. And we just get along well as people,” she said. “And because we understand each other well, even without saying anything, we also work well together.”

Karina then continued by sharing how other idols tend to fight with their members. Although she didn’t specify any names, many believe she was referring to other girl groups.

“Honestly, if you look at other K-pop groups, people fight a lot, and there are a lot of teams that don’t work well together. But even from the beginning, we didn’t have those issues,” she said. “And if a conflict arises, we try to resolve it immediately. So I think we’re able to work well without any issues.”

It’s an interesting comment but not exactly fresh news. After all, disagreements are natural in any group of people who must work together to achieve a goal. If anything, Karina’s comments confirmed that the members of aespa learned to accept each other’s personalities and worked out their differences.

aespa is currently preparing for their fourth EP ‘Drama’ which is set for release on November 10, 2023.

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aespa’s Karina and NingNing Joke About Overwhelming Comeback Schedule

Are aespa members struggling to deal with their overwhelming comeback schedule?

Karina and NingNing need your help! The aespa members have jokingly addressed their upcoming comeback and it sounds like the idols are not very happy about it. Not surprisingly, fans think that the joke undermines the truth about their overwhelming comeback schedule.

Karina and NingNing “Ask For Help” Due to aespa’s Overwhelming Comeback Schedule

In a special edition of this week’s “Eunchae’s Star Diary,” LE SSERAFIM member Hong Eunchae had a heartwarming reunion with Karina and Ningning. The “Music Bank” MC and the aespa members finally fulfilled their promised samgyeopsal date and a bit of catch-up.

The three talented K-Pop idols shared a delightful meal of grilled samgyeopsal, savoring the delicious flavors while engaging in a lively conversation about their ongoing world tours. During their time together, Hong Eunchae couldn’t help but notice the impressive scale of aespa’s world tour, which encompassed a more significant number of stops than LE SSERAFIM’s tour. Moreover, she highlighted the remarkable dedication of the girl group, who were simultaneously gearing up for a domestic comeback slated for November.

“You wrapped up your last comeback promotions around May or June, and you’ve been busy with your world tour all this time, but you were also preparing for your next comeback all at once. That sounds like a lot,” Eunchae said.

Without missing a beat, Karina nodded and looked at the camera to say, “Help.” Her fellow aespa member NingNing quickly joined the joke by saying, “Please, help us!”

It’s easy to see that Karina and NingNing are just joking but fans were also concerned about the idols having to deal with an overwhelming comeback schedule. Hopefully, aespa will be able to take a break after they release their new music.

The friendly gathering was a testament to the strong bonds that exist within the K-Pop industry, where artists from different groups come together to share their experiences and enjoy each other’s company. However, it also shed light on the hard work and commitment that go into global tours and domestic comebacks, offering fans a glimpse into these talented idols’ demanding yet rewarding lives.

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aespa’s Karina Confirms Friendship With BLACKPINK’s Jisoo

It’s not unusual for idols to become friends with each other. After all, most of them start out as fans who want to become just like the person they look up to. However, Karina has achieved something that most BLINKs can only aspire to. The aespa member confirmed that BLACKPINK’s Jisoo initiated their friendship by contacting Karina first!

Karina Reveals Jisoo Contacted Her First

aespa might be an established idol group but the members still look up to successful artists. For instance, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning were recently spotted attending BLACKPINK’s finale concert for the BORN PINK World Tour in Seoul. As it turns out, the younger idols were invited by Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa to the concert. This led to some awesome interactions with aespa.

However, it looks like there was a good reason why aespa was invited in the first place. Karina has confirmed her close friendship with one of the BLACKPINK members.

“I got close to Jisoo unnie,” Karina recently revealed. “Unnie told me that she liked me and contacted me first.”

This is an awesome revelation confirming that Karina is one of the most successful fans of all time. With that in mind, BLINKs are loving how the members of aespa truly look up to and respect BLACKPINK.

The BORN PINK World Tour kicked off on October 15, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea, and concluded on September 17, 2023, also in Seoul. This extensive tour included 66 concerts held in 34 different cities across 22 countries worldwide. It proved to be a massive success, drawing a total attendance of 1.8 million fans, setting a remarkable record as the most-attended concert tour by a K-pop girl group. The tour not only showcased BLACKPINK’s immense popularity and global reach but also provided unforgettable experiences for fans from all corners of the globe.

In the meantime, aespa released “Better Things” on August 18. It is the group’s first original English single and their second release of 2023. To promote the song, aespa aired a web series of the same title.

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