Aespa’s “Risky” Red Carpet Outfits at Melon Music Awards Face Backlash
aespa is facing backlash for their red carpet outfits at the 2025 Melon Music Awards.
The controversy began when Karina, Giselle, and Winter appeared on the red carpet without Ningning, who was confirmed by SM Entertainment to be absent due to cold symptoms.
“안녕하세요, SM엔터테인먼트입니다.”
“당사 아티스트 에스파 닝닝의 오늘(20일) MMA 레드카펫 불참 관련 안내 드립니다.”
“닝닝은 금일 감기 증상으로 인한 컨디션 저하로 금일 예정되어 있던 레드카펫 행사에는 부득이하게 불참하게 되었습니다.”
“다만 무대에 대한 아티스트의 강력한 의지에 따라,…”
— SM Entertainment via aespa Twitter
Karina wore a fitted black knee-length dress, sticking with a simple look.
Giselle showed up in a short, blue backless mini dress.
Winter rocked a black-and-gold dress with bow details, also short.
Fans quickly noticed the lack of coordination. No shared color scheme or concept tied their outfits together, making the group’s appearance feel off.
Concerns also popped up about the revealing outfits, especially given the cold Korean winter.
Netizens slammed the styling:
“They could’ve at least matched the colors. More than that, why do they all look so cold….”
“Only Karina’s outfit feels safe. The others look way too bluish and boxy, like wardrobes, so it comes off tacky.”
“Each outfit is pretty on its own, but there’s zero sense of unity lol.”
“It really looks kind of mid.”
“Why did they decide to make the concept that different for each member? lol”
The styling choice is under growing criticism as fans call for more group harmony in future looks.