SEOUL, July 5, 2025
Karina’s Waterbomb Performance Sparks Debate
aespa’s Karina’s Waterbomb 2025 solo stage ignited a storm of reactions online.
- Karina performed a solo set at Waterbomb 2025, including her song “UP” and aespa hits.
- Some netizens criticized the performance, alleging lip-syncing.
- Others defended Karina, citing the challenging conditions of the outdoor festival.
- The performance sparked a viral debate on Korean online communities.
- Many fans applauded Karina for taking on a full solo stage.
The Waterbomb 2025 festival performance by aespa’s Karina has triggered debate, with some netizens alleging lip-syncing while others defended the artist due to the difficult conditions.
Solo Stage, Mixed Reactions
Karina of aespa took center stage solo at the Waterbomb 2025 festival. As the only aespa member at the event, anticipation was high to see her solo performance, but the stage triggered mixed reactions among viewers.
During her set, Karina performed her solo track “UP” along with popular aespa songs such as “Supernova,” “Spicy,” and “Whiplash.” The high-energy setlist, packed with fan favorites, became a topic of discussion across Korean online communities.
Netizen Debate
A post about Karina’s Waterbomb 2025 appearance quickly went viral on the community site TheQoo, garnering over 45,000 views. Netizens shared their opinions in the comments, sparking a lively debate.
Some expressed disappointment, saying the alleged lip-syncing detracted from the solo stage’s impact. Conversely, others defended Karina, emphasizing the physical demands and technical challenges of performing at an outdoor, water-themed festival, particularly in the summer heat.
KARINA PERFORM UP AT WATERBOMB!!
KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITEpic.twitter.com/zpGle1V1rd
— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) July 5, 2025
KARINA UP
KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/xVv2LMtVac
— ㅇㅈㅁ (@karinaforgirls) July 5, 2025
250705 아이즈매거진 인스타 #카리나#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/AnRlTopfUN
— 순간의 카리나 (@karinaofmoment) July 5, 2025
Netizen Comments
Here’s a glimpse into the range of opinions expressed by netizens regarding Karina’s Waterbomb 2025 performance:
- “Looks like they didn’t spray much water because of people’s phones. That’s a relief.”
- “Are performances like this all lip-synced?”
- “Only some people lip-sync.”
- “I was worried because she wasn’t wearing glasses, but thank goodness.”
- “Her being alone on stage for an aespa song just doesn’t hit the same.”
- “Even if you’re lip-syncing, at least put some effort into it…”
- “So freaking pretty.”
- “It must’ve been tough in this heat.”
- “The stage was perfectly fine, so what’s with all the fuss? So over the top.”
- “The solo stage wasn’t as flashy or impressive as I expected. Sigh.”
While opinions vary, many fans commend Karina for undertaking a complete solo stage, which is considered a somewhat rare move for an idol who is also part of a group.
