aespa Karina’s “Ku Klux Klan” Look Sparks Massive International Controversy

aespa’s Karina has landed in the middle of a major controversy reaching far beyond K-Pop over an image bearing an unsettling resemblance to the Ku Klux Klan.

The photo in question was part of Converse’s global Chuck 70 X campaign, which launched worldwide in August with Karina as its model. The aespa star appeared in the picture standing inside a large Converse star, wearing a voluminous white skirt and holding two black sneakers at her side.

While the image seemed innocuous to many at first glance, others were quick to point out that the overall composition immediately reminded them of the Ku Klux Klan — the white supremacist organization whose racial violence campaigns have targeted Black Americans and other marginalized groups since the post-Civil War era.

In particular, many people pointed out the silhouette of the star over Karina’s skirt resembled the signature KKK hood. Her partially obscured arm dangling the two sneakers, meanwhile, brought to mind imagery of lynching by hanging, one of the most well-known and horrific forms of KKK violence and murder.

this is actually insane wtf karina pic.twitter.com/ruUshfcfi5

— vava (@vavawonyoung) September 19, 2026

After the controversy went viral, Converse pulled the photo from its channels and issued an apology on September 18.

We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong. We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened, and we will do better.

— Converse via WWD Footwear News

In response, several fans have slammed Karina herself for appearing in the ad.

karina has officially become the first kpop idol to be involved in TWO maga scandals i‘m speechless

— vava (@vavawonyoung) September 19, 2026

So basically aespa has every breed in their group:
P*dophilia, woman abu$er and serial k!llers supporter
Fatphobic
Age-player/ woman-child/irrelevant
KKK supporter *New*🥀🥀

— Daisy’s Agustdih⁷🤠 (@wheresAgustdih) September 18, 2026

aespa’s karina is the model featured in this racist ad, kpop is always at the crime scene

— WHITEMAMBA (@THEOGWHITEMAMBA) September 19, 2026

Others, however, hit back at the critics, accusing people of using a serious issue as a “gotcha moment” given that Karina was unlikely to be involved in the creative direction of the campaign.

You guys clearly don’t care about issues regarding racism and purely just see it as an opportunity to use it as gotcha moments. I don’t understand why you’re implying that Karina was at fault when she’s just a model and not on the creative team at all

— Mili 🩷 (@aespology_) September 19, 2026

The controversy comes just days after fellow aespa member Giselle came under fire for her recent Instagram posts.

aespa Giselle’s “Pedophilic, Violent And Abusive” Instagram Sparks Massive Controversy In Korea