It seems the winds of controversy have inadvertently propelled aespa’s Karina into the spotlight, as her recent fashion choice—a striking windbreaker—has sold out online amid a political symbolism debate.
On May 17, Karina shared snapshots from her trip to Japan on Instagram, showcasing her bold black and red windbreaker. The jacket, emblazoned with a large red number “2” on the front, sparked a wave of speculation among netizens who connected the color and number to a specific political party and its presidential candidate—igniting a significant discussion online.
In response to the uproar, SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, clarified, “Karina simply shared everyday content on social media without any other purpose or intention. Once we recognized the potential for misunderstanding, the post was immediately deleted. We sincerely apologize for causing concern unintentionally.” The agency emphasized, “We will be more careful and make efforts to prevent such incidents in the future,” adding, “We hope that the artist’s intentions are no longer distorted or misused for specific purposes.”
The windbreaker in question comes from the New York-based fashion brand Vaquera. Known as “WINDBREAKER BLACK RED,” the jacket features a bold red diagonal pattern against a black base. Originally priced at around 720,000 KRW (approximately 525 USD), it has since sold out in all sizes on the brand’s official site. Fans looking to snag one now face resale prices reaching about 1.5 million KRW (~1,092 USD) on various international fashion platforms.
Vaquera, co-founded in 2013 by Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee, has made a name for itself with experimental designs that defy conventional luxury fashion norms. The brand launched with innovative collections shared on social media, and through unique runway shows that captivated audiences.
Celebrity endorsements further enhanced Vaquera’s appeal; notable figures like actress Han Ye Seul have been spotted sporting the brand’s distinct pieces, like one of its eye-catching sleeveless shirts.
As the buzz continues around Karina’s windbreaker, it’s clear that sometimes controversy can elevate a brand’s visibility beyond expectations.
