aespa‘s recent performance at KCON 2025 in LA has made many fans happy — especially those at the venue — but also sparked heated reactions from some who can’t help but be worried for the girl group.
The SM Entertainment quartet took the stage in LA to perform some of their biggest hits for the United States audience. “Supernova,” “Whiplash,” “Dirty Work,” and even popular b-side “Flights, Not Feelings” were all well-appreciated by K-Pop fans present.
aespa “Whiplash” at KCON LA 2025 pic.twitter.com/vfl2m8Fa0S
— 싱크 로그 (@synklog) August 3, 2025
After wrapping up their performance, the girls had to take the stage once again to say their goodbyes. That’s when many were shocked to not see Karina alongside her members. Her absence sparked concern among MYs, but then Karina herself got on Bubble to explain why she was not there.
Goodbye session: aespa edition ✨(idk what's happened with Karina cause she's not here)#KCONLA2025 #KCON #aespa #에스파 pic.twitter.com/yUEX8FzNgk
— ⋆⁺shan⟡⋆ (@1ndymynt) August 3, 2025
Thankfully, the aespa star was feeling well but she had to quickly get ready and fly back to Korea for another commitment.
Karina’s 🫧
“Because of my schedule in Korea, I had to leave first so I couldn’t say goodbye properly ㅠㅜㅠㅠ”
"I was worried you might be surprised if I suddenly disappeared…" pic.twitter.com/OqzdbILTjQ
— Jazz (@mjkmwntr) August 3, 2025
While Karina’s explanation eased some worries away, it also sparked a lot of outrage among fans who have been accusing SM Entertainment of mismanaging the girls for quite some time now. Fans argue that scheduling activities so close to one another, especially when they’re on two different sides of the world is absurd and could have massive consequences on their health.
what was even the point of going to kcon for 5 songs… jimin spent more time flying than she did in los angeles this is insane
— ☆ (@thereforyu) August 3, 2025
karina spends more time on a plane than on the ground with how messed up they're handling her schedule pic.twitter.com/1lE3Ytib6A
— ً (@L0VEYUS) August 3, 2025
sm prioritizing only brand deals cos thats easy money for them while not having the decency to schedule properly, resolve any staff incompetence, or accept collabs that will help build karina's artistry. you dont deserve her.
— AVꨄ︎ʰʸᵒʸᵉˢ (@ahyoewhokares) August 3, 2025
Not only did Karina have to leave early, but her flight from Seoul to LA was also delayed because of yet another commitment before the group’s KCON performance.
her flight to LA was delayed because she had to finish a work schedule before leaving. now, she has to take an earlier flight to korea because she still has another schedule there. karina's schedule is so packed i hope she finds time to rest and take care of herself 🫳🏻
— ꨄ︎ k (@bluuist) August 3, 2025
Meanwhile, aespa recently wrapped up filming their music video and concert VCR after working for almost one week straight from day to night. The quartet will kick off their third world tour, AExis Line, on August 29, 30, and 31 and release a new comeback in mid-September. As all these preparations take place, fans urge SM Entertainment to be more mindful when planning their activities.
