aespa Karina’s “WATERBOMB 2026” outfit sparks heated online debate
aespa‘s Karina is at the center of an online debate after her appearance at WATERBOMB 2026.
Karina returned to the festival as a representative for Sprite, a sponsor of the event. During her set she performed several songs, including her solo hit “UP.”
Her stage outfit mixed short leopard-print shorts with a green tank top worn under a white sheer cropped top.
260725#KARINA #카리나 #aespa #에스파 pic.twitter.com/4JzMRlicZc
— 겨울이⭐️ (@minjeongist01) July 26, 2026
Some fans said the look matched Sprite’s fresh summer image, while others questioned whether it was appropriate for WATERBOMB.
This angle of karina slowly lifting up her shirt and the way her hips moved ISJFJGJFJDKXK I FEEL CRAZY pic.twitter.com/5FI6K6P1uO
— . (@synkbone) July 25, 2026
The debate picked up traction on Korean online communities after a viral post criticized her styling.
A viral post on Pann wrote:
If Karina is going to dress like that, why is she even going to Waterbomb? Every time she goes, her outfit doesn’t match the purpose of the event…
Many users pushed back against that criticism, arguing that WATERBOMB should not be treated as an occasion where female celebrities are expected to wear revealing clothes.
Netizens wrote:
“Since when did Waterbomb become a bodybuilding competition?”
“What exactly do you think the purpose of the event is? That female celebrities have to wear clothes that make it easy for them to be sexually harassed, so people can legally sexualize and criticize them? LOL. Is that really what you think Waterbomb is about?”
“? Her outfit at the last Waterbomb was appropriately sexy and looked good. Aren’t you the same people who foam at the mouth and attack anyone who shows too much skin? LOL.”
“She only appeared because she’s a Sprite advertising model. Go say your nonsense to a wall.”
“I think you’ve got the wrong idea because you’re comparing her to people whose biggest career achievement and signature moment is just ‘doing Waterbomb.’ Waterbomb isn’t a place where people go to put on a strip show. She wore a pretty, refreshing outfit that matched the Sprite image, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. LOL.”