Scheduled to take place on May 5 (KST) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this year’s Met Gala theme is “Fashion is Art,” tied to the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition Costume Art. Alongside global Hollywood stars, the lineup of Asian celebrities attending has drawn significant attention worldwide.
According to Korean media, all four members of BLACKPINK are expected to attend Met Gala 2026. As of May 4, Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo were spotted at The Mark Hotel in New York, the official accommodation for invited guests, effectively confirming their appearance. However, Rosé has not yet been seen in New York, despite being listed among the official guest roster.
Beyond BLACKPINK, two members of aespa Karina and Ningning are also set to attend this year’s event. Their invitation marks a historic milestone, as they become the first and second fourth-generation K-pop female idols ever to walk the Met Gala carpet.
However, their participation has sparked intense debate across social media. Some critics argue that compared to BLACKPINK’s global dominance, Karina and Ningning still lack comparable influence and status, questioning whether their presence aligns with the Met Gala’s elite image.
On the other hand, supporters strongly defend their invitation. Both aespa members are considered top-tier K-pop stars and serve as global brand ambassadors for luxury fashion houses such as Prada and Gucci. Fans argue that their global recognition and industry achievements fully justify their attendance.
It is also important to note that the Met Gala is not an event anyone can simply buy their way into. The guest list is personally curated and approved by Anna Wintour, the long-time editor-in-chief of Vogue. Being invited is widely considered a recognition of cultural influence, artistic relevance, and industry impact.
Despite the controversy, anticipation remains high for Karina and Ningning’s red carpet debut. Many fans are eager to see whether the aespa members can deliver a breakout fashion moment and achieve the same viral global impact often associated with BLACKPINK at international events.
The Met Gala, often referred to as the “Oscars of Fashion,” is not just a showcase of luxury outfits but also a powerful platform for celebrities to shape their global image. Each year, it serves as a stage for cultural influence, personal branding, and fashion innovation. Ahead of the big night, more than 50 top celebrities have already confirmed attendance, including BLACKPINK, Romeo Beckham, Irina Shayk, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Nicole Kidman, and KUN, among others.
Sources: Koreaboo