K-Pop Idols Confirmed for 2026 Met Gala Spark Heated Debate

BLACKPINK and aespa are making waves ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, but not without controversy.

The 2026 Met Gala will take place on May 4 at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” linked to the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition “Costume Art.”

All four BLACKPINK members are set to attend. Lisa is officially confirmed as a host committee member, becoming the first K-Pop artist to hold this role. Jisoo flew to New York on May 3, confirming her debut at the event. Jennie and Rosé are also expected, with Jennie already spotted in the city.

BLACKPINK’s presence is expected given their strong ties to luxury brands. Jisoo is a global ambassador for Dior Fashion and Dior Beauty. Jennie represents Chanel. Rosé is the global ambassador for YSL, and Lisa represents Celine.

The surprise newcomers are aespa members Karina and Ningning, who also departed for New York to attend. They will be the first and second 4th-generation female idols at the Met Gala, representing Prada and Gucci, respectively.

The controversy began when fans started debating aespa’s attendance. Some questioned if the Met Gala is losing its exclusivity and expressed skepticism about aespa’s presence in the US fashion scene.

Fans quickly reacted online with mixed opinions:

“Asspa has 0 noise in Us what a payola suckass lmaoooo” — @hswurmother1

“So the met gala is now suddenly inkigayo with members of aespa attending? Why would the global ambassador of Gucci not be going there ?” — @THEOGBLACKMAMBA

Others defended aespa, pointing out the logic behind their attendance due to their brand roles:

“\”met gala will turn into inkigayo\” You can’t brag about your fav paving the way then get mad when others walk the path they paved that’s not how it works. The entitlement is crazy and you stanning an Asian idol doesn’t make the comment any less xenophobic” — @roppijamz

As the situation unfolded, BLACKPINK and aespa’s presence at the Met Gala highlights K-Pop’s growing influence in global fashion, even as fan debates continue.