The announcement of a special performance at the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon featuring Hearts2Hearts member Ian covering aespa’s Karina’s song “UP” has ignited significant backlash among fans. While some are anticipating Ian’s rendition, many are expressing outrage towards SM Entertainment for not allowing Karina to perform her own hit. The performance is scheduled for December 31, 2025, coinciding with a pre-recorded set from aespa.
“UP” debuted during aespa’s second concert tour, SYNK: PARALLEL LINE, in June 2024, quickly gaining traction on social media through numerous dance covers and challenges. Upon its release on streaming platforms in October 2024, the song achieved remarkable chart success, marking Karina’s first music show award and a Real Time All-Kill as a soloist. Despite this acclaim, she has yet to perform “UP” on a major stage, having only included it in aespa’s concerts and at the WATERBOMB Seoul festival earlier this year.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with SM Entertainment’s decision to allow another artist to cover a song that has not been performed live by Karina. “It’s not only a song. Karina wrote it by herself, gave her idea and concept,” one fan tweeted. “The song got so many achievements with ZERO promo, and SM doesn’t even acknowledge or congratulate her.”
Amidst this discontent, many observers noted that there are various other songs Ian could have performed. “So many different songs that Ian could have covered, and they had to choose the one song that Karina herself has never officially performed on stage before,” another user remarked. This sentiment reflects a growing concern that SM Entertainment may be downplaying aespa’s contributions and stifling their potential.
The situation follows a similar pattern observed at the recent 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, where Hearts2Hearts performed “Dirty Work,” another aespa track, alongside their own song. Fans celebrated the rookie group’s performance, yet they worry that SM Entertainment is increasingly sidelining aespa in favor of promoting new artists. Several fans have pointed out that aespa’s requests for special stage performances throughout the year were denied, raising concerns about the agency’s treatment of the group.
As the backlash intensifies, many are questioning SM Entertainment’s commitment to aespa. “I think it’s quite obvious that SM no longer has any interest in treating aespa well or protecting them,” one fan commented. “They’re only using them to fund budgets for their juniors’ comebacks.”
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that aespa will also be appearing at the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in Japan on the same day as the MBC Gayo Daejejeon, further complicating their setlist for the event. As of now, aespa’s performance details remain unconfirmed.
The discontent surrounding Karina’s missed opportunity has sparked a broader discussion about SM Entertainment’s management of its artists and the implications for aespa’s future. Fans are left advocating for the recognition and opportunities they believe Karina and the group deserve.
