Recently, a post by KARINA, a member of aespa, on social media has sparked political interpretation controversy, igniting a heated debate on social networking sites. KARINA shared several overseas photos on her Instagram account, accompanied by a red rose emoji. In one of the photos, she was seen wearing a jacket with a prominently printed number 2 design, featuring a striking red pattern. Some netizens speculated that the outfit evoked the colors and number associated with a specific political party, suggesting a hidden political message. With the presidential election just a week away, KARINA’s post even caught the attention of some in the political sphere. Lee Soo-jeong, the head of the Suwon branch of the People Power Party, stirred controversy with a strong statement on his own social media, saying, “If you mess with KARINA, you all die.” As a result, KARINA’s post became the center of political debate, prompting her to delete the photos, seemingly aware of the controversy. The jacket at the center of the controversy is a product of the American street brand BALENCIAGA, known for its provocatIVE and deconstructIVE designs that challenge gender, class, and racial distinctions. On the 28th, KARINA’s fans released a statement, pointing out that the social media posts were being subjectIVEly interpreted, leading to damage to the celebrity’s reputation, and asserting a strong stance that sexual harassment and personal attacks are subject to legal action. This incident exposes the reality that even celebrities’ everyday expressions on social media can be distorted into political meanings in the age of social media, raising concerns about responsible communication between the public and platforms.
