Controversy has erupted around Karina, a member of the popular K-pop group aespa, following a recent Instagram post that many perceived as politically charged ahead of the South Korean presidential election.
On May 27, Karina shared a series of playful photos captured on the streets of Tokyo, Japan. The post featured only a flower emoji, but it was the outfit that caught everyone’s eye—a striking red jersey adorned with a diagonal stripe and the number ‘2.’ This seemingly innocent choice of attire quickly ignited speculation.
Why all the fuss? Red is the official color of the conservative People Power Party, and the number ‘2’ corresponds to candidate Kim Moon Soo‘s spot on the ballot. Many netizens leaped to the conclusion that her post was an endorsement of the candidate’s campaign.
Supporters of Kim were quick to applaud Karina, labeling her as “a patriotic conservative” and “the goddess of the right.” Comments poured in, with some declaring, “Karina is definitely number 2,” echoing sentiments of political alignment.
Yet, not all responses were positive. Critics expressed concern about public figures using their platforms responsibly during such sensitive political times. One user pointed out, “Colors and numbers can easily be interpreted as symbols of political alignment,” hinting at the risks of miscommunication.
As the discussions intensified in various online communities, Karina opted to remove the post from her account, perhaps hoping to quell further speculation.
This incident is part of a larger trend, with several celebrities voicing their political preferences as the election heats up. Singers Kim Heung Gook and JK Kim Dong Wook, along with comedian Lee Hyuk Jae, have openly backed Kim Moon Soo, while actors like Lee Ki Young, Lee Won Jong, and Park Hyuk Kwon have shown their support for Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung.
