SM Entertainment “Mistreating” aespa To Push Hearts2Hearts — Recent Controversy Sparks Severe Accusations
SM Entertainment is facing renewed criticism following Hearts2Hearts member Ian’s recent cover of aespa Karina’s solo track “UP,” which many fans see as part of a broader pattern of sidelining aespa to promote the company’s newer girl group.
The backlash began in late December when MBC announced a special stage for the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, revealing that Ian would perform “UP.” While the cover initially drew attention, frustration quickly followed.
Fans pointed out that Karina herself had never been given a proper opportunity to promote the song on major broadcast stages, despite its popularity.
aespa’s Karina “Robbed” Of Major Opportunity By SM Entertainment, Sparking Outrage
At the time, “UP” had only been performed at aespa’s concerts and once at WATERBOMB Seoul. There were no music show stages, no solo promotions, and no official dance practice video released by SM Entertainment — something typically expected for a well-received solo track.
The situation escalated further after Ian went on to perform “UP” and Hearts2Hearts later uploaded a full dance practice video of her cover.
This move reignited anger among fans, as Karina still has not received similar content for her own song. Many interpreted the decision as SM prioritizing exposure for Hearts2Hearts while continuing to neglect aespa’s individual promotions.
no UP or good stuff dance pratice but this nugu got everything karina supposed to get… https://t.co/C0gi0w2SJx pic.twitter.com/Ko0CSW0MM6
— . (@krn70000) January 3, 2026
dropped EVEN a dance practice 😭😭😭😭 u can’t make this sht up
— ͏ ͏ ً (@rinafication) January 3, 2026
As criticism grew, fans accused the company of leveraging aespa and Karina’s popularity to boost interest in the rookie group.
first it was a festival stage and now dance practice while karina herself didnt even get the chance to have her own dance practice video like wdym a junior get more promo for her cover stage than the original artist sm got to be the most useless dumb shit company to ever exist
— 👽 (@icurina) January 3, 2026
this better be a joke… like i used to like ian but this is pissing me off. where is karina’s dance practice for up? oh. nowhere. the audacity to do this.. https://t.co/qkDBiIvFUD
— lexi! ୨ৎ (@lexisgarden) January 3, 2026
Ian herself faced a lot of extreme hate due to the cover and dance practice.
these people are shameless it’s incredible truly a leech https://t.co/eaOuZfnqZb
— 리나 (@rinamyloves) January 3, 2026
SM Entertainment has yet to address the backlash directly, but the controversy has once again put the company’s handling of aespa under intense scrutiny.
