Aespa’s recent concert in Saitama, Japan, was marred by a costume malfunction involving member Karina, causing her top to rip open during a performance. This incident sparked outrage among fans, particularly in Korea and China, who raised concerns about the quality and safety of the group’s stage outfits. Fans pointed to repeated costume malfunctions involving other Aespa members and questioned the agency’s commitment to artist safety. They called for SM Entertainment to address these issues immediately, invest in high-quality costumes, and prioritize the well-being of its artists.
Introduction
On July 14, 2024, K-pop girl group Aespa held a concert in Saitama, Japan. The concert was a success overall, but it was marred by a wardrobe malfunction involving member Karina. During the performance, Karina’s top ripped open, forcing her to hold it together while continuing to dance. While Karina herself brushed off the incident as a result of the intense choreography, fans of the group, particularly those in Korea and China, expressed outrage and took to online platforms to voice their concerns.
Fan Concerns and Allegations of Costume Issues
Fans’ anger stemmed from several factors. Firstly, they raised concerns about the quality and durability of the costumes, arguing that even with intense choreography, costumes should not tear apart so easily. They also questioned whether the costume was properly constructed, suggesting that the ripping could have been prevented with proper stitching.
Repeated Costume Malfunctions
This incident was not an isolated one. Fans pointed to other instances where Aespa members had experienced costume malfunctions, such as:
Karina’s previous costume rubbing her waist raw
Karina’s shoe sole coming off during a performance
Concerns about Costume Construction and Modification
These repeated issues led fans to suspect that the group’s costumes were being hastily modified or poorly made, potentially by the group’s stylists. They also raised concerns about the possibility of unsanitary conditions in the costume preparation process, as evidenced by the discovery of a needle embedded in one of Karina’s outfits.
Calls for SM Entertainment to Take Action
Fans’ frustration grew further due to the perceived lack of action from SM Entertainment, Aespa’s agency. Despite previous costume malfunctions and fan complaints, the agency had not taken significant steps to address the issue. This led fans to believe that SM Entertainment was prioritizing aesthetics over the safety and well-being of its artists.
Calls for Improved Costume Quality and Safety
Fans emphasized the importance of safety in stage costumes, particularly for idols performing intense choreography. They argued that costumes should not only look visually appealing but also prioritize the safety and comfort of the performers. Incidents like Karina’s wardrobe malfunction could lead to injuries or even more serious accidents, such as falls caused by loose shoe soles or injuries caused by hidden needles.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Fans also called for transparency from SM Entertainment regarding the costume preparation process and accountability for those responsible for the repeated malfunctions. They urged the agency to investigate the root causes of these issues and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The costume incident at the Saitama concert has highlighted the ongoing concerns among Aespa fans regarding the quality and safety of the group’s stage outfits. Fans are calling on SM Entertainment to take immediate action to address these issues and prioritize the well-being of its artists. They urge the agency to invest in high-quality, durable costumes, ensure proper construction and maintenance, and foster a culture of safety and accountability within the company.
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Oh my god. That could have seriously hurt her or her members.