aespa has once again found themselves at the center of controversy; this time, it's due to concerns over the safety of their styling choices.
MYs (aespa fandom) have long voiced their criticisms regarding the styling team's handling of aespa's outfits, citing instances where safety appeared compromised.
Karina, aespa leader, has particularly been under scrutiny. Fans have pointed out several incidents where her outfits seemed ill-fitted or even hazardous.
These included loose hems, broken and mismatched shoes, and uncomfortable attire that hindered her performance on stage.
From giving Karina broken shoes to mismatched shoes to putting her in hazardous outfits she can trip on and now a needle in her dress,how can a company and stylists be so incompetent and hateful pic.twitter.com/MXmrLTsGew
— ☠️☠️ (@Galaxy_0411) November 13, 2023
In a startling revelation, one of Karina's outfits was even discovered to have a sewing needle still attached, raising alarm among fans about potential dangers not only to the idol but also to those around her.
at first, i thought it was a pin so it would be easy to see but it’s actually a needle. but it’s obvious the needle was very sharp and thin
— 劉知珉 (@rinaloveyus) December 16, 2023
SAFER OUTFIT FOR KARINA#SM_Listen_To_Fan @aespa_official @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/Cc4J4cSQdS
The latest outcry stems from aespa's performance at the 2024 K-WAVE Concert on June 2, where Karina appeared in an all-denim ensemble.
Karina must be tired of stylist keep giving her uncomfortable outfit 😇 pic.twitter.com/bw6dgOjG0P
— KARINA PRADA GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR (@BelieveInYu0) June 20, 2024
240602
— Timing (@Timingae) June 20, 2024
🩵🎋#aespa #에스파#KARINA #카리나 pic.twitter.com/doopPAFjcy
While visually striking, the outfit quickly became a point of concern among fans who observed that the denim top appeared to dig into Karina's skin.
Denim, known for its stiffness and lack of elasticity, posed discomfort and potential harm as it rubbed against Karina's side and chest during her performance.
Photographs and fan-captured videos circulating online showed visible redness on Karina's skin, suggesting that prolonged wear of the outfit could have resulted in painful abrasions.
notice the skin on her side was already red even before they performed supernova and it worsens after they finished armageddon and it was bc of her outfit. the skin below her shoulders were red too
— Sunshine (@sunshine_080507) June 20, 2024
PRIORITISE KARINA SAFETY #PROTECT_KARINA @SMTOWNGLOBAL @aespa_official pic.twitter.com/8obbQBYDeY
Though it appears there were no open wounds reported, the incident has sparked renewed outrage among fans who demand better treatment and consideration for the group's safety and well-being.
aespa recently made a comeback with their first full album, "Armageddon," and have been actively promoting their music, including high-profile appearances at festivals.
armageddon - aespa (2024) pic.twitter.com/phkO2J3Eo5
— ⟢ (@mymusicIibrary) June 14, 2024
Despite their success, the ongoing issues with their styling have continued to overshadow their achievements in the eyes of concerned fans.
Calls for aespa's stylists to prioritize safety and comfort in their wardrobe choices have grown louder, with supporters urging SM Entertainment and the management team to address these recurring issues promptly.
As the group continues to navigate their careers in the spotlight, the pressure is on for improvements that ensure aespa members can perform confidently and safely on stage.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
