aespa's Karina and BLACKPINK's Jennie are being compared to one another due to parallels in their careers.
Karina and Jennie are part of the top girl groups from the fourth and third generations of K-pop, respectively. They are considered it girls of their generation, and are one of the most recognized faces in the industry. With that have come a lot of comparisons, and following several parallels in their careers, the comparisons have increased.
Keep on reading for all the details.
aespa Karina & Lee Jae Wook Announce Break-Up
On April 2, 2024, it was reported that Karina and Kim Jae Wook broke up after more than five weeks of publicly dating. Lee Jae Wook's agency confirmed the news, citing a decision to prioritize work as the reason for the split. They stated, "Kim Jae Wook decided to end the relationship to focus on work. Both will continue to support each other as colleagues."
The abrupt end to their relationship, just over a month after it was first reported by Dispatch, caused a stir among fans. When the news of their dating was released, Karina faced backlash and malicious comments, prompting the aespa leader to issue an apology in an attempt to appease fans.
Following her breakup, the unforgiving nature of the entertainment industry, especially towards rising female idols, is brought to light. Out of all the idols, Karina and Jennie are considered the ones that truly prove this sentiment. Netizens are amazed by the striking parallels between these two idols similarities in both their careers and love lives.
aespa Karina & Jennie Draw Attention For Similarities in Idol Career
The first similarity between Jennie and Karina lies in their prominent positions within the entertainment industry. Both are integral members of four-member girl groups that debuted under two major entertainment companies, YG and SM, and quickly rose to fame upon their debut. They are regarded as top-tier icons in K-pop; while Jennie holds the title of the nation's "it girl," Karina is hailed as the visual icon of the 4th generation.
In terms of talent, Jennie is celebrated as an "all-rounder," possessing a diverse skill set as a triple threat who can sing, dance, and rap. As a member of BLACKPINK, she is their main rapper and lead vocalist and is widely regarded as the group's unofficial center.
Similarly, Karina serves as the center of aespa, as well as their leader, main dancer, and visual. Since her debut, Karina's captivating beauty has consistently captivated audiences.
CHECK THIS OUT : THIS ILLIT Member Draws Attention to Resemblance to aespa Karina
However, along with their fame comes antis. Jennie and Karina have both been targets of criticism and controversy, often becoming victims of heated debates over various issues. Whenever Jennie is involved in a situation, the blame is immediately placed on her. Similarly, Karina has been accused of favoritism by SM Entertainment and the rigorous promotion efforts surrounding her.
Jennie has often faced criticism for her supposed lazy dancing and for rocking a more provocative style. Meanwhile, Karina antifans claim any issues revolving aespa are all Karina's fault.
aespa Karina & BLACKPINK Jennie Face Similar Love Life Situation
When Jennie and Karina made their dating news public, they were met with immense pressure from public opinion.
Jennie had previously gone public with her relationship with EXO Kai in 2019, after Dispatch exposed the two on a date. At that time, Jennie's career was reaching its peak with her explosive solo debut and BLACKPINK's global hit "DDU-DU DDU-DU" dominating charts.
Jennie became the victim of backlash, with people saying she disrespected her career. Like many other celebrity couples, Jennie and Kai's relationship ended soon after, just 25 days after it was confirmed, due to their busy schedules. Even five years later, fans still mourn the end of such a perfect couple, attributing it to the pressures of fame.
The same recently happened to aespa's Karina, who just went through a breakup.
This notes another parallel in their careers: Jennie and Karina found themselves as targets for criticism and blame. Their love lives were dissected and debated on social media, despite it being their personal lives.
In an industry where fame comes with being the victim of gossip, Jennie and Karina's experiences serve as cautionary tales. Despite the challenges they face, both artists continue to persevere in their careers. While Jennie has established herself as a global idol with her own entertainment company, many are highly anticipating Karina's growth.
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Written by Alexa Lopez