aespa’s KARINA departed through Incheon International Airport on the 27th for an overseas schedule.

MARK & LONA unveiled its latest visual starring aespa’s KARINA, the brand’s first female ambassador. Inspired by her wish to create a knit set, the collection features elegant wool-blend knitwear, a hybrid padding jacket, and a knit cap, blending luxury, warmth, and versatility.

In an ELLE Korea interview and photoshoot, aespa’s KARINA talked about her first Lollapalooza Chicago stage, saying the group practiced hard and built a setlist with songs they had rarely performed. She said nerves can help reduce mistakes, enjoys exploring tour cities, and likes the word “strong” because it means having a firm core and values.

The 2026 MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN will be held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on December 12 and 13, 2026. New artists added include ATEEZ, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, &TEAM, RIIZE, RESCENE, Hearts2Hearts, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE. Single-day ticket presales run until October 4.

aespa’s Winter will not attend the Dallas performance after being diagnosed with shingles. SM Entertainment said she had felt unwell before the Miami show, continued performing out of a desire to stand on stage with the group, but later sought hospital care and was diagnosed. Karina, Giselle, and Ningning will perform, while Winter rests and recovers.

SM Entertainment said it will strongly respond to malicious posts targeting aespa’s WINTER. It is collecting evidence from platforms and fan reports, and plans legal action against false rumors, defamation, insults, sexual harassment, and other abuse on and off major sites.

The 2026 MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN will take place at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on Dec. 12 and 13, 2026. Day 1 features MISAMO, NAYEON, aespa, and NCT WISH; Day 2 features Stray Kids, IVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and CORTIS. MCs include KIM JAEWON, SANA, and JANG WONYOUNG. Premium lounge tickets and sales details were also announced.

MARK & LONA has released a special interview video featuring KARINA, its first female brand ambassador, and began selling the worn items on September 25, 2026. Inspired by KARINA’s wish to create a sweatshirt set-up, the collection presents a travel-themed fall-winter style with hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts, sneakers, and a caster-equipped stand caddy bag, combining comfort, functionality, and luxury for golf, travel, and everyday use.

On the morning of the 23rd, Park Gyu-young departed through Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. Related photo links note her attendance at a HOURGLASS brand event, as well as GUCCI events attended by aespa’s NINGNING and Stray Kids’ Lee Know.

aespa’s WINTER appears on the October cover of COSMOPOLITAN and talks about handling a busy schedule, her fear of trying new things, and why she still chooses to challenge herself. She also reveals hints about a western-style solo stage for aespa’s world tour and says she wants to keep her “anything is possible” mindset rather than chase freedom itself.

Dwango will exclusively livestream the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS from Busan, South Korea, on Niconico on September 19, 2026. The red carpet is free, while the awards ceremony and live performances require a net ticket. Buyers also get access to past TMA shows from 2019 to 2025.