Karina faces lipsync backlash after solo set at Waterbomb 2025 festival
aespa’s Karina took the stage solo at the Waterbomb 2025 festival on July 5, performing her solo track “UP” and group hits like “Supernova,” “Spicy,” and “Whiplash.”
The performance quickly sparked controversy online. Korean netizens on TheQoo and Twitter questioned the authenticity of her vocals, accusing her of lipsyncing.
A viral post on TheQoo gathered over 45,000 views with heated reactions.
Some netizens voiced disappointment:
“Are performances like this all lip-synced?”
“Even if you’re lip-syncing, at least put some effort into it…”
Others defended Karina, citing tough outdoor conditions:
“It must’ve been tough in this heat.”
“The stage was perfectly fine, so what’s with all the fuss? So over the top.”
“Looks like they didn’t spray much water because of people’s phones. That’s a relief.”
The mixed reactions show a divide in fan opinion. Several expressed sadness that Karina was the only aespa member on stage for group songs.
“Her being alone on stage for an aespa song just doesn’t hit the same.”
Despite the criticism, many still applauded Karina for taking on a solo stage – a rare move for a group idol.
The controversy remains active as fans debate the merits of the performance under demanding conditions. No official statement has been released.
