AION2 Faces Backlash Over K-Pop Idol Resemblances in Character Creation
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A new controversy is brewing around NCSOFT’s highly anticipated MMORPG, “AION2,” as players allege the game’s character presets bear striking resemblances to popular K-Pop idols. The uproar centers on concerns about unauthorized likenesses and the game’s reportedly sexualized character creation options.
The backlash began shortly after previews of AION2’s character customization tools surfaced online on November 16, 2025. Players quickly pointed out similarities between in-game presets and members of prominent groups including NMIXX, Stray Kids, aespa, and NewJeans.
Idol likenesses Spark Outrage
The most frequently cited examples involve NMIXX’s Sullyoon and Stray kids’ Felix. Social media users have shared side-by-side comparisons, noting that the character presets replicate not only facial features but also distinctive details like mole placement and freckles.”Did Aion 2 take Karina from Aespa’s face to make the character creator?” one user questioned on X (formerly Twitter). Others have identified resemblances to aespa’s Karina and NewJeans’ Haerin.
One user on X posted, “Ppl were saying a character looked like Sullyoon as a joke but after a deeper dive it it truly seems it wasnt a coincidence and this weird ass game with clear sexual undertones is using real people as references.”
https://twitter.com/bobajenny_/status/1726289999999999999
https://twitter.com/NMXXED/status/1726611999999999999
https://twitter.com/ArtharsFF14/status/1725888888888888888
https://twitter.com/qweenbeeval/status/1726287777777777777
https://twitter.com/NMXXED/status/1726611777777777777
NCSOFT Responds, Faces Skepticism
NCSOFT acknowledged the feedback in a statement, saying, “Even though it was not intentional, we are aware of the feedback regarding specific presets and will take appropriate measures.” However,this response has been met with widespread skepticism. Many users question how such detailed resemblances – including specific features like Sullyoon’s mole placement and Felix’s freckles – could be unintentional. “Not intentional? Sullyoon’s mole placement? Felix’s freckles? Huhh???” one user responded on X.
Concerns Over sexualization Add Fuel to the Fire
adding to the controversy is the concern that the game’s character creation system is overly sexualized. Several users have highlighted this as a notably troubling aspect, given the potential for the unauthorized use of idols’ likenesses in suggestive contexts. “Really disturbing considering that the sexualized character creation is one of the selling points,” one user noted.
The situation raises crucial questions about the use of celebrity likenesses in video games and the ethical responsibilities of developers.It remains to be seen how NCSOFT will address the concerns and whether further action will be taken by the agencies representing the affected idols.
