aespa‘s appearance in a recent Pokemon Go Korea commercial has stirred up controversy among fans due to perceived favoritism towards member Karina. Shared on Instiz, a popular South Korean online forum, a photo from the ad drew criticism for allegedly sidelining Giselle, positioning her furthest from the camera.
This isn’t the first time Giselle has faced such treatment, as a prior ad deal with Mise en Scene Korea also excluded her from product promotion. Fans slammed SM Entertainment for allowing Pokemon Go Korea to prioritize one member over others, speculating on the reasons behind the group’s placement in the ad.
Critics highlighted Giselle’s unfavorable styling in the commercial, suggesting it didn’t complement her body type.
However, defenders noted that the photo shared was just the ad’s ending scene and Giselle received her solo screen time in the commercial. Still, the episode underscores ongoing debates about fair representation within aespa.
The controversy reflects broader issues of fairness and equality within the K-pop industry, where individual members’ visibility and treatment in promotional materials often spark intense debate among fans. It also raises questions about the role of entertainment companies in ensuring equitable opportunities for all group members.
Despite the backlash, aespa’s appearance in the commercial continues to generate discussion online, highlighting the group’s enduring popularity and the passionate engagement of its fanbase.
