The Latest Breaking News from Aespa

Why Did Converse Apologise for Karina Ad? Brand Admits 'We Got This Wrong' After Racism Backlash

Converse has apologised and withdrawn an advert featuring aespa's Karina after critics said its composition evoked KKK imagery and the lynching of Black Americans.

International Business Times UK · Sep 22

Converse Pulls Aespa's Karina Ad After Backlash Over KKK and Lynching Imagery Claims

Converse pulled an ad starring aespa's Karina and apologized after critics said the imagery resembled a KKK hood and lynching. Here's what happened.

Fashion Times · Sep 21

Converse Users Burn and Cut up Their 'All Star' Shoes in Boycott Over Controversial Ad Likened to KKK Imagery

Converse has removed an advert featuring aespa star Karina and apologised after critics compared its imagery with a Ku Klux Klan hood and a hanging body, prompting online boycotts.

International Business Times UK · Sep 21

Aespa's Ningning Targeted by 120,000-Signature Petition as Critics Demand Japanese Show Ban — Why Are Fans Turning on Her?

Aespa face mounting backlash in Japan as a petition targets Ningning, linking political tensions and past posts to NHK concerns.

International Business Times UK · Dec 17, 2025

K-pop singer’s social media post fuels diplomatic row between China and Japan

Beijing and Tokyo are locked in a diplomatic row over Japanese prime minister’s remarks on Taiwan

The Independent UK · Nov 24, 2025

Why People Want Aespa Off Japan's NYE Show – And What China Has To Do With It

A fast-rising petition in Japan opposes Aespa's New Year's Eve appearance, citing past controversy involving Ningning and rising Japan-China tensions.

International Business Times UK · Nov 21, 2025

Backlash against K-pop star’s deleted photo shows pressure on industry to remain apolitical

Flaunting a red jacket with number 2 on it led to speculation Karina of aespa was subtly endorsing one of South Korea’s presidential candidates

The Independent UK · May 29, 2025

aespa at Wembley Arena review: the future of K-pop

4/5 aespa don’t spare the maximalist fun at their spectacular London show

Evening Standard · Mar 3, 2025

Ateez, Stray Kids and Aespa: why 2025 will be another huge year for K-pop in London

BTS and Blackpink may be about to stage a comeback, while Ateez, Stray Kids and Aespa are all playing London this year

Evening Standard · Jan 29, 2025

What to stream this week: Chris Stapleton, Call of Duty, 'The Killer,' Tim Allen's Santa return

This week’s new entertainment releases include country superstar Chris Stapleton’s fifth studio album, Michael Fassbender playing a hitman in David Fincher’s “The Killer” and Tim Allen putting on his Santa suit for season two of “The Santa Clauses.”

The Independent UK · Nov 5, 2023