SM Entertainment aespa Karina UP Controversy 2026: Sidelining Claims Re-emerge

Is SM Entertainment sacrificing its current superstars to pave the way for rookies? The company is under fire after Ian, a member of the new girl group Hearts2Hearts, performed a cover of aespa member Karina's solo hit 'UP'. While covers are common in K-pop, fans see this specific move as part of a calculated strategy to exploit aespa's massive success to boost a newcomer's visibility.

SM Entertainment aespa Karina UP Controversy Details

The backlash erupted following the announcement of a special stage for the 2025MBC Music Festival (Gayo Daejejeon) held in late December. According to reports from Koreaboo, MY (aespa's fandom) expressed deep frustration, arguing that SM is neglecting Karina's own solo promotions while using her intellectual property to jumpstart Ian's career. The sentiment that aespa is being sidelined to favor a younger sibling group has quickly gained traction across social media platforms.

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A Pattern of Strategic IP Sidelining?

Critics point to a broader pattern within SM Entertainment, where established groups allegedly receive less support once a new flagship group debuts. Fans highlighted that while 'UP' achieved incredible chart success in 2024 and 2025, Karina has yet to receive a full-scale solo debut. The use of her solo work as a "special stage" for a rookie instead of a platform for her own growth is being viewed as a mismanagement of artist resources.