aespa's KARINA showcases stunning visuals in W KOREA's special edition for the Seoul Jazz Festival 2026, embodying a summer goddess.
May/27/2026 14:30
KARINA of aespa showcased overwhelming visuals in a gravure. Recently active as a Chanel Beauty ambassador, KARINA was selected as the cover model for the special edition of 'W KOREA' published for the '18th Seoul Jazz Festival 2026'. Recently unveiled through official SNS channels, she radiated an aura under the gentle wind and dazzling sunlight in three types of covers. In this gravure, KARINA displayed a fresh 'juice beauty' and transformed into the perfect 'early summer goddess'. Without extravagant decorations, her natural expressions and gazes were highlighted. Her pure and transparent skin and lively makeup stood out. This artistic gravure, which balanced artistic sensibility and seasonal changes, was published in the magazine's June issue and at the site of the 'Seoul Jazz Festival' held at Olympic Park, with behind-the-scenes videos available through official SNS channels. aespa, to which KARINA belongs, recently announced the pre-released song 'WDA (Whole Different Animal)' featuring G-DRAGON. They will start full-scale comeback activities with the release of their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE' at 1 PM on the 29th. *Videos can be viewed by clicking or tapping.
Related Articles
The 2026 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan will be held on December 12 and 13, 2026 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). New artists announced include NiziU, INI, xikers, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, NEXZ, KickFlip, AEN, and TUIDE, with performance dates revealed. Tickets and premium lounge options are on sale.
Lee Soo-man’s AI-generated dance video with A2O producer Yoo Young-jin and rookie group A2O LITE went viral, drawing likes and comments from K-pop stars. A2O LITE, a nine-member multinational girl group, debuted with “NEON,” which reached No. 1 on MelOn’s TOP 100.
aespa’s NINGNING captivated viewers with a sexy, daring look in a W Korea cover photoshoot. Wearing a glossy deep-purple fitted suit over a black V-neck top, she highlighted her elegant neckline, dark eye makeup, long black hair, and red nails. Fans praised her beauty and model-like presence, while aespa continues its strong global momentum through its 2026–27 world tour.
I.O.I, reunited after about nine years and topping the music charts, will appear on the year-end awards stage at MMA 2026. MelOn announced the final 11 acts, bringing the total lineup to 26, including aespa, IVE, and others. The event adds a new Global TOP10 category.
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.
