Karina’s Waterbomb Performance Sparks Lip-Sync Debate
Netizens sharply divided over aespa star’s solo stage.
**Karina** of aespa recently took the stage alone at the Waterbomb 2025 festival, delivering a highly anticipated solo performance. As the first and only aespa member to appear at the event, her set generated considerable buzz, though not all of it was positive.
Mixed Reactions to Solo Debut
During her set, **Karina** performed her solo track “UP”
alongside aespa favorites such as “Supernova,”
“Spicy,”
and “Whiplash.”
While the song choices pleased many, discussion quickly arose across Korean online communities regarding the performance’s authenticity.
KARINA PERFORM UP AT WATERBOMB!!
KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/zpGle1V1rd
— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) July 5, 2025
A post discussing **Karina’s** Waterbomb appearance gained traction on TheQoo, a popular online forum, amassing over 45,000 views as netizens weighed in.
KARINA UP
KARINA AT WATERBOMB#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/xVv2LMtVac
— ㅇㅈㅁ (@karinaforgirls) July 5, 2025
The Lip-Sync Allegations
Some viewers expressed their disappointment with the alleged lip-syncing, suggesting it detracted from the experience of a solo stage. Some argued more effort should be put into the performance, even with lip-syncing. However, others defended **Karina**, citing the rigorous physical demands associated with performing at an outdoor water festival during the summer heat.
The debate highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by K-pop idols regarding their live performance abilities, with 67% of fans saying they value live vocals over perfect synchronization (Statista 2023).
250705 아이즈매거진 인스타 #카리나#KARINAxWATERBOMB#KARINAxSPRITE pic.twitter.com/AnRlTopfUN
— 순간의 카리나 (@karinaofmoment) July 5, 2025
Despite the divided opinions, many fans lauded **Karina** for undertaking a full solo performance, which is considered a significant step for an idol still active within a group.
