Aespa's Karina Faces Political Controversy Over Social Media Post

Aespa's Karina has found herself at the center of a political controversy.

On the 27th, Karina posted several photos on her social media, taken in Japan, accompanied by a rose emoji. In the photos, she wore a red jacket with the number 2 prominently displayed, as the zipper was pulled all the way up.

This led to speculation that Karina might be expressing support for a specific political party. Some netizens interpreted the post as an endorsement of Kim Moon-soo, a member of the People Power Party, whose candidate number is 2, especially with the presidential election just a week away.

The use of the rose emoji further fueled the political debate, as the election is referred to as the 'Rose Election' due to its timing in the season when roses bloom.

Comments on the post included phrases like "Patriotic conservative Karina," "We support you," "Karina is definitely number 2," and "Conservative goddess Karina." Eventually, Karina deleted the post and has not made any further statements.

Despite the deletion, the controversy continues. Baek Ji-won, spokesperson for the People Power Party's Central Election Committee, posted the cover of Aespa's 'Supernova' album on social media with the caption "Shout out." Lee Soo-jung, head of the Suwon District Committee of the People Power Party, also defended Karina, posting her photo on the 28th with the caption "If you mess with Karina, you're done."

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr