Karina of aespa is once again at the center of social media buzz—but this time not for her visuals or performance. On November 24, Korean netizens erupted into debate after a photo from a brand event showed a seemingly unnatural enhancement to the idol’s figure.
The image in question—snapped from behind—highlighted what many claimed was an unusually prominent backside, sparking allegations that Karina had used butt padding to create a more voluptuous silhouette. The speculation arose largely because past public appearances showed a slimmer profile, with fans and critics alike pointing out the stark contrast.
Photo that sparked the controversy, showing Karina with a noticeably fuller silhouette.
Some netizens were quick to accuse the 2004-born idol of artificially enhancing her figure for the camera. However, her fans pushed back with a different theory: the bulge wasn’t padding but rather the result of clipping her jeans at the waist, a styling trick Karina has been seen using to accommodate her slim figure.
Supporters flooded social media with images and videos from other angles at the same event, arguing that her body looked consistent and natural. These visuals showed no signs of unusual enhancement, challenging the viral photo’s narrative.
This isn’t the first time K-pop stars have been accused of using padding to enhance their figures for public appearances. Past controversies include Ha Ji Won and Seolhyun (AOA), who were similarly scrutinized for inconsistent visuals, especially at events and red carpets.
While some netizens continue to argue about authenticity, Karina has not addressed the claims directly. Whether it was a fashion mishap or an intentional styling choice, the incident underscores the intense scrutiny placed on female idols’ appearances—sometimes to the point of speculation over every curve.
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