aespa — SM Entertainment’s powerhouse girl group once hailed as the “new-generation icon” of K-pop — is facing heavy criticism following an unexpected incident at “KCON 2025” in Los Angeles on August 3. After delivering an electrifying setlist featuring hits like “Supernova”, “Whiplash”, “Dirty Work” and “Flights, Not Feelings”, fans were surprised to see only three members return to the stage to greet the audience, with leader Karina noticeably absent.
Karina later explained via the Bubble platform that she had to immediately fly back to South Korea for another scheduled engagement. While some were relieved when they knew that her health was not an issue, others criticized her abrupt departure as unprofessional, especially at a high-profile event attended by thousands in person and watched by many more online. The lack of prior notice was viewed by some as disrespectful to the audience.
Reports also revealed that Karina’s flight from Seoul to Los Angeles had been delayed due to another overlapping commitment right before “KCON”. The scheduling appeared so congested that even the company seemed unable to manage it effectively.
This is not the first time aespa has faced such disruptions. Karina previously missed the final concert of their “Synk: Parallel Line” tour in Osaka due to health issues following rehearsals, while member Ningning was hospitalized for exhaustion and dehydration during preparations for the “K-Wave” event.
In the lead-up to KCON, aespa had wrapped up nearly a week of non-stop MV and concert VCR filming, working from morning until night without rest. In July 2025 alone, Karina performed at least eight concerts, appeared in three music shows, attended multiple fansigns, and fulfilled personal schedules across Japan, Korea, the U.S., Singapore, and China — all within just a few weeks.
Fans are now openly questioning SM Entertainment’s professionalism, citing poor scheduling, a lack of clear communication, and slow responses to incidents involving the group. The relentless workload, constant intercontinental travel without adequate rest, and failure to manage public relations effectively are all seen as damaging aespa’s image.
Once considered a “national exception” in the Korean entertainment industry — admired for their stunning visuals, balanced talents, and consistent public favor even amid controversies — aespa is now facing divided public opinion. Without immediate adjustments to protect the members’ health and maintain the group’s image, the public goodwill they have enjoyed could fade, which would be a regrettable setback for one of K-pop’s most influential acts.
Sources: kenh14