aespa’s “Fake” Behavior When Performing Sparks Criticism, K-Netizens Defend
aespa’s recent appearance at SUMMER SONIC TOKYO 2025 has stirred heated debate online after clips of their stage began circulating.
While the group impressed with a packed setlist, including Japanese tracks “Hot Mess” and “ZOOM ZOOM” alongside hits like “Supernova,” “Whiplash,” and “Dirty Work,” one part of their performance caught unexpected attention.
250817 SUMMER SONIC サマソニ#aespa #에스파#WINTER #윈터 #ウィンター pic.twitter.com/ygjLj7ett2
— あ☺︎ (@0805_0205) August 17, 2025
Karina
20250817 HQ
Summer Sonic #카리나 #Karina #에스파 #aespa #mfdd_aespa_karina pic.twitter.com/qY555iwsYt
— mdff (@__mfdd) August 19, 2025
Screenshots of Karina and Ningning during the show were shared on Pann, with a viral post accusing the group of acting fake on stage.
The post criticized them for making exaggerated gestures — closing their eyes and pushing out strong facial expressions — while allegedly lip syncing.
aespa pulling this kind of fake act again. Why are they doing those kinds of gestures while lip syncing? Seriously, what’s the point? LOL.
— Viral Pann post
The accusation quickly sparked heated discussion. Many netizens pointed out that aespa’s SUMMER SONIC stages were in fact live, highlighting Winter and Ningning’s vocals in particular. Several defended the group, saying the criticism was baseless and came from people who had never actually attended their shows. Others argued that even fancam footage clearly showed live singing, dismissing the lip sync claims as unfair.
- “Uh, what are you even talking about? Yesterday’s stage was basically a live performance with almost no AR backing. Winter and Ningning’s vocals were super powerful, it was obviously live. Maybe watch the stage before running your mouth.”
- “What’s your basis for saying it was lip sync? LOL. The fact you’re even trying to call a live stage lip sync just shows even you know how good aespa’s skills are.”
- “You’ve never actually been to their concerts or even properly watched their performances, but you’re acting like it’s a fact that aespa always lip syncs. Even when people who were at the venue clearly said it was live, you still insist every single one of their stages is lip synced. Honestly, even if they sang right next to your ear, you’d still claim it was lip sync.”
- “Check the fancams… it’s all live. Do a little research before posting nonsense.”
- “LE SSERAFIM, the top skill group of the 4th gen, hwaiting!”
