aespa Karina’s Latest “Controversial” TikTok Sparks Heated Debate Among Fans
aespa are in the middle of promotions for their newest track “Rich Man,” but it’s Karina’s social media activity that has become the main point of debate among fans.
Her most recent TikTok video, filmed with rapper and TV personality Lee Young Ji, has drawn mixed reactions online.
I am a RichMan with #YOUNGJIhttps://t.co/0B6GBCqzGl#aespa #æspa #에스파#KARINA #카리나#RichMan #aespaRichMan#영지 pic.twitter.com/5OQDX07yfn
— aespa (@aespa_official) September 9, 2025
The group released Rich Man on September 5 and have since been performing it on music shows. However, many pointed out that the promotional period has been unusually short, with aespa instead leaning heavily on TikTok challenges to spread the song.
aespa’s Controversial Music Show Promotions Trigger Massive Outrage
Karina has been at the center of these posts, appearing in all collaboration TikToks so far.
I am a RichMan with #ANYUJIN #LEESEOhttps://t.co/6jHImKdU4a#aespa #æspa #에스파#KARINA #카리나#RichMan #aespaRichMan#IVE #아이브 #안유진 #이서 pic.twitter.com/WwO9yAGooA
— aespa (@aespa_official) September 6, 2025
I am a RichMan with #SUNMIhttps://t.co/IZNH8BBdSm#aespa #æspa #에스파#KARINA #카리나#RichMan #aespaRichMan#선미 pic.twitter.com/eybNXIYp6f
— aespa (@aespa_official) September 6, 2025
I am a RichMan with #HYOhttps://t.co/VSROjQenHk#aespa #æspa #에스파#RichMan #aespaRichMan#KARINA #카리나 #효연 #GirlsGeneration #소녀시대 pic.twitter.com/nGQpdGt1Wh
— aespa (@aespa_official) September 10, 2025
While some fans appreciated her effort, others expressed frustration that only Karina seemed to be involved in TikTok promotions, questioning SM Entertainment’s approach and the participation of other members.
Might as well disband aespa already so SM can fully treat Karina like their princess https://t.co/L1wNZv1qCh
— Naysa (@dtixr) September 9, 2025
Some even suggested that Karina seems to be the only one “allowed” to do the challenge on TikTok, sparking heated exchanges online.
– yujin and leeseo are karina's friends so they took a challenge together.
– sunmi said it's a challenge together with katarinabluu bcs her song title is blue, hence they took rich man too.
– she celebrates youngji's birthday and still thinking about promoting her groupbut mys: pic.twitter.com/2iluBo11m4
— ꨄ︎ k (@bluuist) September 9, 2025
At the same time, many fans rushed to defend her, arguing that Karina was putting in extra effort to keep aespa visible on social media, even outside of official schedules. They felt that her dedication deserved recognition rather than criticism.
Not Karina promoting Rich Man better than SM. Imagine having a day off, hanging out with your friends, and still managing to do the challenge.
SM need to pay her more😭 https://t.co/EGeFwAicSn— KARINA INDONESIA (@SEKARINA_ID) September 9, 2025
Remember when Karina was the one keeping aespa’s TikTok alive (forgot which era) and some so-called MYs dragged her? Then when she stopped, aespa’s TikTok turned so dry and dead 💀 Imagine celebrating your friend’s bday while still thinking about promos yet fans hate you for that https://t.co/3yX3b23nky
— ꨄ︎ Karina (@krnphile) September 9, 2025
u should be thankful karina better promoting rich man than sm. y’all complain a lot, why don’t u ask ur favs to do a tiktok and promote rich man too? or they’re js lazy lol https://t.co/h1IYlvnT2r
— jaxx (@jaxxeuz) September 10, 2025
genuine question to the mys and other people crying in the quotes, how do we know the other members didn’t just… want to make tiktoks… like maybe they just don’t want to ask other artist to do their dance challenge… have we ever considered that… https://t.co/xHfJ5FEKqL pic.twitter.com/YNiuPttQCU
— ♡ (@for_yjm) September 9, 2025
With aespa’s “Rich Man” era still ongoing, the debate shows growing fan frustrations over how SM is handling the group’s promotions—and how much of the burden seems to fall on Karina. For now, the group is headed to the United States to promote the song overseas.
