K-Pop Idols Confirmed To Attend “2026 Met Gala” Spark Heated Debate

One of fashion’s biggest nights is nearing, and K-Pop will be as present as ever.

The 2026 Met Gala will be held on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” tied to the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition “Costume Art.”

Fashion lovers everywhere are more than excited, but K-Pop fans have sparked an unexpected debate regarding those confirmed to attend the ceremony.

The Best-Dressed K-Pop Idols At The “2025 Met Gala,” Ranked

All four BLACKPINK members are expected to walk the carpet. Lisa has been officially confirmed as a host committee member, making her the first K-Pop artist to do so. Jisoo departed for New York via Incheon Airport on May 3, effectively confirming her own attendance, which will mark her debut. Jennie and Rosé are also expected, with the former having already been spotted in New York.

260503 #JENNIE spotted in New York pic.twitter.com/0XUCr02U5o

— DC 제니 갤러리 (@JennieDCGallery) May 3, 2026

None of this is surprising. Each member has long-standing ties to the houses, likely dressing them on the carpet. Jisoo is a global ambassador for Dior Fashion and Dior Beauty. Jennie is the face of Chanel. Rosé is the global ambassador for YSL. Lisa is the global ambassador for Celine. At this point, BLACKPINK at fashion’s biggest events is just expected.

Jisoo at Incheon Airport heading to New York for the Met Gala on Monday. pic.twitter.com/AumSmePMtJ

— 21 (@21metgala) May 3, 2026

The new names turning heads are aespa members Karina and Ningning.

Both departed for New York to attend the 2026 Met Gala. They will make history as the first and second 4th-generation female idols to attend the event, representing their respective brands — Karina for Prada and Ningning for Gucci.

aespa KARINA and NINGNING become the first 4th generation female idols to attend the Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/zgC2SzoSad

— EMPIRE (@EmpireIX) May 3, 2026

And that’s where the debate starts. Fans online have been vocal. Some are questioning whether the Met Gala is losing its exclusivity, while others are skeptical of aespa’s US presence.

Inkigayo lineup

— KpopInsider (@KpopInside4rdi) May 3, 2026

Asspa has 0 noise in Us 😂what a payola suckass lmaoooo

— urfather (@hswurmother1) May 3, 2026

On the other hand, fans have also defended their attendance, saying it makes sense considering the brands they represent.

So the met gala is now suddenly inkigayo with members of aespa attending? Why would the global ambassador of Gucci not be going there 😭?

— BLACKMAMBA (@THEOGBLACKMAMBA) May 3, 2026

“met gala will turn into inkigayo” You can’t brag about your fav paving the way then get mad when others walk the path they paved that’s not how it works. The entitlement is crazy and you stanning an Asian idol doesn’t make the comment any less xenophobic

— fizz 🍋 (@roppijamz) May 3, 2026