“AION2” Triggers Outrage Over Sexualized Characters Resembling Top Idols

NCSOFT‘s new MMORPG “AION2” is sparking backlash with its character presets.

Particularly, many people noticed similarities with multiple K-Pop idols.

The most notable are NMIXX‘s Sullyoon and Stray Kids‘ Felix.

However, others have spotted similarities to idols like aespa‘s Karina and NewJeans‘ Haerin.

Did Aion 2 take Karina from Aespa ‘s face to make the character creator? Can’t wait to play tomorrow @Aion #Aion2 #MMO pic.twitter.com/FVRJhOBZFl

— bobajenny 🧋 (@bobajenny_) November 18, 2025

Details down to moles and freckles are placed on the characters.

The company responded:
“Although it was not intentional, we are aware of the feedback regarding specific presets and will take appropriate measures.”

Hopefully it will be removed but why lie? Not intentional? Sullyoon’s mole placement? Felix’s freckles? Huhh??? https://t.co/PVHxgYvNEZ pic.twitter.com/whVqtZzZgN

— Aqua🦋 (@NMXXED) November 19, 2025

Particularly, one of the main issues is the sexualized character creation which has received extreme backlash from netizens who wish to protect the idols.

HOLY LIMIT TESTING pic.twitter.com/gX72WRLVha

— Arthars (@ArtharsFF14) November 16, 2025

people are pointing out that this mmorpg has presets that were clearly modeled after felix and sullyoon but i also noticed haerin and karina. really disturbing considering that the sexualized character creation is one of the selling points https://t.co/WVjVy9PlUf pic.twitter.com/AAmmss5RSe

— val (@qweenbeeval) November 18, 2025

Ppl were saying a character looked like Sullyoon as a joke but after a deeper dive it it seems it wasnt a coincidence and this weird ass game with clear sexual undertones is using real people as references

Felix
Karina
Sullyoon
Haerin
And maybe more…

Agencies plz take action pic.twitter.com/LqK8f7JwZL

— Aqua🦋 (@NMXXED) November 19, 2025