Karina Faces Allegations of Supporting a Candidate After Posting Photo Wearing Red Number 2 Before Presidential Election
Explains, "Bought the Jacket Because It Was Cold, I Was Extremely Ignorant"
Karina, a member of the girl group aespa, bowed her head and admitted, "I was extremely ignorant," regarding the controversy over political colors that arose during the last presidential election.
On July 6, appearing on the YouTube channel 'Yojung Jaehyung,' Karina addressed the incident where, during the 21st presidential election period, she posted a photo on social media wearing an outfit with the number 2 in red, which sparked controversy over political colors. Karina apologized, saying, "I had absolutely no such intention," and added, "I'm truly sorry for causing concern to our fans and many others."
A photo posted on May 27, just before the presidential election, by Karina, a member of the group aespa, on her personal Instagram. Due to the number 2 on her clothes and the red pattern, suspicions arose that she was expressing support for the People Power Party. Karina Instagram
Karina explained the situation, saying, "At the time, I went out with staff members, and because it was chilly, I bought an outer garment. I posted the photo to communicate with fans, but after being contacted, I deleted it. I was extremely ignorant. This is something I should have known, even if I was abroad." She continued, "I realized I need to be more aware and study more. It is true that I was very ignorant. Since I created a topic of conversation, I have to take responsibility for it. But it was very difficult to see even the other members being affected."
Karina said, "I have two dreams. First, I want to live a peaceful life," and added, "There have been issues concerning me recently. So now, not just for myself but for those around me, I hope everyone can live a peaceful life." She continued, "My second dream is to live a long life as Yoo Jimin. I want to live long both as Karina the celebrity and as Yoo Jimin, the daughter of my mom and dad. If Karina is considered an alter ego, I want my life as Yoo Jimin to be even more solid and enjoyable."
Karina is explaining the controversy over political colors that arose after she posted a photo on social media wearing a red outfit with the number 2 during the last presidential election period. YouTube channel 'Yojung Jaehyung'
In the controversial photo, Karina was wearing a jumper that mixed red and black, along with an outfit featuring the number 2 in red. Since it was just a week before the presidential election, controversy arose over whether Karina was supporting a specific party's candidate. In response, her agency, SM Entertainment, explained, "Karina only posted everyday content on social media, with absolutely no other purpose or intention. After realizing that the post could be misunderstood, she immediately deleted it. We sincerely apologize for any concern this may have caused."
However, Lee Sujeong, head of the People Power Party's Suwon-jeong district committee, and Baek Ji-won, spokesperson for the People Power Party's central election committee, publicly expressed their support for Karina with phrases such as "If you mess with Karina, you're all dead" and "SHOUT OUT TO," further fueling the controversy.
At the time, model and broadcaster Hong Jinkyung was also embroiled in a similar controversy. On the day before the presidential election, July 2, Hong Jinkyung posted a photo of herself wearing a red top on her social media, then deleted it the next day. As suspicions arose, similar to Karina, that she was supporting a specific party, Hong Jinkyung apologized, saying, "I can't believe I made such a foolish mistake during such a sensitive time." She even went so far as to say, "I would stake my daughter's life on it," strongly emphasizing that there was no political intent.
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