KARINA of aespa is the new ambassador for luxury golf brand MARK & LONA, showcasing her charm and excitement at the announcement event.

KARINA of aespa has become the new brand ambassador for the luxury golf brand 'MARK & LONA'! Today (27th), a press conference was held in a certain location in Tokyo for her appointment as the new ambassador and the release of the new commercial 'PLAY ILLUSION'. Before KARINA took the stage, Tomoaki Matsumura, the chairman and president of Cube Co., Ltd., which develops the brand, mentioned the reason for her appointment. 'While watching various music videos, I felt a jolt of lightning when I saw KARINA's appearance at the beginning of 'Supernova', and I thought she should become the brand's ambassador,' he revealed. He also touched on an episode from the CM shoot, saying, 'It was filmed in extreme cold, but she maintained her smile and was considerate to everyone around her... I felt we truly have a wonderful person as our ambassador.' KARINA also commented on her appointment as ambassador, saying, 'I was really surprised but very happy. Of course, I was very happy, but I was also worried about whether I could express the brand's image well. After seeing the finished visuals, I think I was able to express the new image of 'MARK & LONA' in my own way.' She further explained her image of the brand, saying, 'My family loves golf, and I had a good image of it even before my appointment. I thought it was a brand with luxurious and beautiful costumes, as well as many wonderful goods and items.' KARINA commented fluently in Japanese for most of the press conference, surprising the reporters with her smooth responses. Regarding the black and red golf wear she wore, she said, 'The outfit I am wearing today is the main look for this advertisement, and it feels really good to wear. The black has a flame-like design, and the silhouette is sporty. It is practical, and I think the design is very cool and wonderful.' When asked about an episode from the CM shoot, KARINA showed a shy smile, saying, 'It was my first time trying a putter in my life,' and added playfully, 'I made it into the hole in the commercial, but what happened in reality... is a secret (laughs).' The event also featured a flip talk corner focusing on KARINA's charm. She revealed that when she comes to Japan, she always eats 'monjayaki', saying, 'There are specific foods to eat in each region, but I always eat monjayaki when I come to Japan,' with a smile. When asked about her recent interests, she replied, 'Books and movies,' explaining, 'I have developed a habit of recording what I read or watch after finishing them.' Towards the end of the press conference, a putting golf challenge was held, where KARINA charmed the audience with her nervousness when holding the putter and her cute gesture of shushing the audience after a mistake. After three attempts, she successfully completed the challenge and received a putting mat with a big smile. Regarding her success in the challenge, KARINA commented, 'Thanks to everyone from the press who came to the venue, I was able to accomplish it safely. I felt everyone's power.' Here too, she showed her warm personality. Finally, she addressed her Japanese fans, saying, 'Thank you very much for today. Please enjoy the styling of me, KARINA, and 'MARK & LONA'. Look forward to my new full album coming out in May. Thank you!' and left the venue. 'MARK & LONA' has established a unique value of 'Luxury Golf' since its brand birth in 2008, bringing innovation to the golf apparel industry, which had been dominated by conservative styles, and has continued to evolve with its original style, gaining high support and attention through flagship stores around the world.