aespa’s Karina faces backlash as Gentle Monster drops her from new campaign visuals
aespa’s Karina is nowhere to be seen in Gentle Monster’s latest pop-up event posts.
The controversy began after Karina’s recent political scandal sparked major pushback online. Fans quickly turned against her representing the iconic brand, which also features BLACKPINK’s Jennie.
Originally introduced as the model for Gentle Monster’s Pocket Collection and Bratz collaboration, Karina’s unreleased photos are now missing from the brand’s newest promotional materials and event slideshows.
Instead, other celebrities like KATSEYE represent Gentle Monster in these new campaign images. Despite her role in the Bratz project, Karina’s presence is noticeably absent from the brand’s recent content.
Gentle Monster has clearly responded to public outcry by scaling back Karina’s exposure.
“They need to protect their brand image.”
— a netizen on theqoo“People said it wouldn’t affect their ads, but clearly it is. Just look at the backlash.”
— a netizen on theqoo“Forget reading the room, if her photo gets posted there, it just wouldn’t fit the vibe.”
— a netizen on theqoo“Looks like they read the room. Let’s replace the model quickly.”
— a netizen on theqoo“Who’s going to buy it if it’s associated with a pro-#2 idol?”
— a netizen on theqoo“Obviously. Women are the ones buying this stuff, lol.”
— a netizen on theqoo
Karina’s role as the Pocket Collection muse remains, but her photos are withheld amid the ongoing backlash.
Gentle Monster’s swift reaction shows the brand is actively monitoring the situation and prioritizing public opinion.
