“…uncomfortable environment for Korean artists.”
Koreaboo
6 minutes ago
aespa Karina‘s treatment by the photographers at the 2026 Met Gala has sparked major reactions online, with many very angry.
Karina | @katarinabluu/Instagram
On May 4 (local time), Karina attended the 2026 Met Gala.
Prada Ambassador Karina wore a #Prada white satin dress featuring a tablier neckline embroidered with jet beads and silver crystals, paired with a black satin evening cape, silver leather sandals, Prada Fine Jewelry Couleur Vivante earrings in white gold, peridots, amethysts and… pic.twitter.com/aYNflyIrAT
— PRADA (@Prada) May 5, 2026
A video gaining attention seemed to imply that Karina wasn’t getting attention when she made her appearance.
im crying NO ONE GAF??? 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/v3lpZW3Cl9
— ً (@pearlytrivia) May 5, 2026
In the comments, some used it as an excuse to mock Karina by saying she wasn’t known enough for the photographers to care, but it also sparked a debate on racism, with many saying that Asian acts usually get that treatment.
not a single flash mind you https://t.co/VtlaBFZxgU
— sdl ٭ ⊙⊝⊜ (@_sdl93) May 5, 2026
They ignored her brutally https://t.co/4O3v4Xu9TO
— JAEKAY✮ (@jeonisdarling) May 5, 2026
it’s sad they always do this with asian celebrities https://t.co/h4vOPOBptR
— 𝙉𝙞𝙠 🏹 | 𝖍𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘 ° • ☆ (@nikandkisses) May 5, 2026
The topic of racism was also brought up when an OP shared that a photographer had mistaken Karina for BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo, by calling her name instead.
I told you SM sent their idols just to get humiliated lol no one even took pictures of her or Ningning, and nobody knows them. So embarrassing, go back to the MAMA Awards please pic.twitter.com/p2e9g5N9G4
— YNAA ᥫ᭡ (@mzrrr_mk) May 5, 2026
While some tried to use it against Karina, many shared their anger about how the photographers have a reputation for making K-Pop stars feel uncomfortable, and that the comment was racist, making it seem like all Koreans look alike, which would lead to them mixing Jisoo and Karina up.
photographers always create such an uncomfortable environment for korean artists at the met gala. in 2024 they were yelling “arigato” at stray kids and making covid jokes, this year they didn’t bother to do their homework and learn the difference between invited guests pic.twitter.com/bQtayOLYJj
— val (@qweenbeeval) May 5, 2026
This is pure racism btw https://t.co/khshbFAsUY
— ae1-core🍋 (@jeanspaa) May 5, 2026
Not every korean looks the same, this is so xenophobic🫤 https://t.co/Z5G9EMcCrB
— ᜊ(੭ ˊ ᵕˋ)੭ (@Baekie_bum) May 5, 2026