aespa’s Karina recently took the stage solo at the highly anticipated Waterbomb 2025 festival, delivering a setlist that featured her solo track “UP” alongside popular aespa group hits like “Supernova,” “Spicy,” and “Whiplash.”
As the only member of aespa to perform at the event, fans were excited to see her showcase her talents individually.
However, the performance quickly sparked a wave of mixed reactions and online debate within Korean netizen communities.
A post discussing Karina’s appearance went viral on TheQoo, a popular Korean community site, where it garnered over 45,000 views and numerous comments expressing varied opinions.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around allegations of lip-syncing during the performance.
Some netizens expressed disappointment, feeling that lip-syncing undermined the authenticity and impact of what should have been a powerful solo stage.
These critics argued that a solo performance demands more vocal presence and effort to truly connect with the audience.
Conversely, many fans and defenders highlighted the challenging conditions of performing at an outdoor, water-themed festival during extreme summer heat.
They pointed out that the technical and physical demands of such an environment might have necessitated pre-recorded vocals for safety and quality reasons.
Several comments also mentioned appreciation for Karina’s courage and skill in taking on a full solo stage—something rare for idols who usually perform with their groups.
While some felt the solo set was less flashy or impressive than expected, others praised her appearance and the overall stage setup.
The divided reactions illustrate the high expectations placed on idols like Karina when stepping into solo roles, especially in prominent public events.
Despite the controversy, many fans continue to support Karina, recognizing the difficulty of performing solo and applauding her efforts.
