aespa Karina’s Solo “Waterbomb 2025” Performance Triggers Mixed Reactions 

aespa’s Karina took the stage solo at the Waterbomb 2025 festival, marking one of her most anticipated performances to date. As the only aespa member to appear at the event, fans were eager to see what she would bring to the table with her solo set, but the stage has seemingly triggered mixed reactions.

During her set, Karina performed her solo track “UP” alongside popular aespa group songs including “Supernova,” “Spicy,” and “Whiplash.” While the high-energy setlist was packed with fan favorites, it quickly became the subject of debate across Korean online communities.

KARINA PERFORM UP AT WATERBOMB!!

KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITEpic.twitter.com/zpGle1V1rd

— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) July 5, 2025

KARINA UP

KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/xVv2LMtVac

— ㅇㅈㅁ (@karinaforgirls) July 5, 2025

A post about her appearance went viral on the popular community site TheQoo, with over 45,000 views. Netizens shared their thoughts in the comments.

250705 아이즈매거진 인스타 #카리나#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/AnRlTopfUN

— 순간의 카리나 (@karinaofmoment) July 5, 2025

Some netizens voiced disappointment over lip-syncing during the performance, arguing that it took away from the impact of a solo stage. Others defended Karina, pointing out the physical demands and technical limitations of performing at an outdoor water-themed festival like Waterbomb, especially under extreme summer heat.

• “Looks like they didn’t spray much water because of people’s phones. That’s a relief.”
• “Are performances like this all lip-synced?”
• “Only some people lip-sync.”
• “I was worried because she wasn’t wearing glasses, but thank goodness.”

• “Her being alone on stage for an aespa song just doesn’t hit the same.”
• “Even if you’re lip-syncing, at least put some effort into it…”
• “So freaking pretty.”
• “It must’ve been tough in this heat.”
• “The stage was perfectly fine, so what’s with all the fuss? So over the top.”
• “The solo stage wasn’t as flashy or impressive as I expected. Sigh.”

While opinions remain divided, many fans are still applauding Karina for taking on a full solo stage, a rare move for an idol in a group.