aespa Karina’s Pre-Debut Photo Sparks Heated Debate Among MYs: ‘This Pic Is Not Her’

A heated discussion among MYs was reignited once more when a pre-debut photo of aespa’s Karina began circulating on social media.

Is it truly the idol?

On August 15, there was a disagreement among MYs (aespa fans) caused by differing opinions after a supposed pre-debut photo of aespa’s Karina was released.

It appears that the image was captured during her time in grade school. In 2020, when the photo resurfaced on the internet, the idol faced criticism for her “unconventional”and “unflattering”appearance.

A post shared by instagram

Despite initial skepticism, the unveiling of more of her pre-debut photos showcasing her beauty caused those doubtful of her being a “natural beauty”to soften their stance.

In spite of this, the picture remained a target for critics to ridicule her appearance, as seen in a recent incident on X (previously known as Twitter).

Despite a non-MY attempting to use the photo against Karina, one fan quickly pointed out that it was not her in the photo.

The photo had a text that read, “I want to become an SM trainee,”with a date of October 1, 2020. However, Karina was already a well-known SM trainee in 2019, which further strengthened the claim that the person in the photo was not her. She clarified that the photo had a date below it, indicating that it was taken after she became a trainee.

The same X account later shared another photo and declared it to be Karina’s actual graduation picture. Several MYs also participated by providing evidence.

I could literally write any name on that pic if that’s your basis of saying it was her. just bc some idiot put her name on that pic doesn’t mean it was her. this was literally her when she was a kid and during middle school you somehow think that random girl was her??? pic.twitter.com/OEgdfW6pGy

— pft (@killua_0101) August 15, 2024

Karina in middle school, she has been scouted by SM for a reason. You thought SM would dm her IG if she looks like that? No offense to that girl tho. pic.twitter.com/VYaMXyBhQl

—. (@myae_universe) August 14, 2024

Honey, Karina is an fcking ulzzang before she even got casted by SM. Her pre-debut pics & vids are literally all over the internet. Stop bullying that poor girl, you dumb b* bullied her all the time, she did nothing wrong. We never said she ugly, SHE IS NOT KARINA, SUCK IT UP https://t.co/kpClBQm8Gj pic.twitter.com/EQGFFJeWkU

— 17 Years with 소시 💖 (@BananaSOne) August 15, 2024

Despite the OP’s assertion, co-MYs also provided negative feedback on the post, claiming that the individual in the photo was actually Karina, contradicting the author’s statement.

Their curiosity was then sparked by the fact that many of the idol’s fans were denying it and seemed hesitant to acknowledge that the girl in the photo was the aespa member before her debut.

why you cropped her name?

— ✧⁠*⁠。 (@xmlkywayx) August 14, 2024

it must be so strange for Karina to see fans being embarrassed (?) of pictures of her when she was a child. you people are genuinely disgraceful and I feel sorry for Aespa for having such shameless fans. weirdo https://t.co/7HM2IwreJW

— r ⚢ ⚡︎ (@viianwich) August 15, 2024

geez that pics are literally her elementary school graduation pics from her former SCHOOLMATE who defended her and tried to clears her name when she got tons of bad rumors before aespa debut! just click the post herehttps://t.co/CRyWgMfoSN

— ✧⁠*⁠。 (@xmlkywayx) August 15, 2024

She posted pictures of Karina at the time to prove her identity, as she tried to defend the idol’s reputation against negative rumors about her true character that had been circulating before her debut in aespa.

Like most teenagers, Karina experienced puberty during her middle and high school years. As a result, her appearance underwent changes and her beauty blossomed, as evident in her pre-debut photos.

pre-debut karina is so pretty she can’t leave people’s mind pic.twitter.com/TV9B4GKRDN

— ْ (@jensorsli) August 15, 2024

pre-debut Karina is so beautiful. have a cry pic.twitter.com/9lEzasvLdC

— kaonashi (@kaonashiren) August 14, 2024

Additionally, some MYs shared their optimism that a resolution to this conflict would be reached. Considering Karina’s constant presence online, it is safe to assume that the idol would not be pleased to witness her fans engaging in a feud.

They further acknowledged that, despite her past, the idol has always exuded inner and outer beauty.