The announcement of a special performance featuring a cover of aespa’s hit song “UP” has ignited significant backlash against SM Entertainment. Scheduled for the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon on December 31, 2025, the stage will feature Hearts2Hearts member Ian covering the track originally performed by aespa’s Karina. While many fans are excited about Ian’s performance, numerous supporters of Karina are expressing outrage over the decision to allow another artist to perform her song, especially given that Karina has yet to showcase it on a major platform.
“UP” made its debut during aespa’s second concert tour, SYNK: PARALLEL LINE, which launched in June 2024. The track became an instant sensation, generating viral dance covers and challenges across social media. Following its release on streaming platforms in October 2024, “UP” achieved notable success, earning Karina her first music show award and a Real Time All-Kill (RAK) as a solo artist, along with multiple nominations at various award shows. Despite this, she has only performed “UP” during aespa’s concerts and a stage appearance at WATERBOMB Seoul earlier this year.
Fans are expressing frustration over SM Entertainment’s choice to give the performance opportunity to another artist rather than allowing Karina to take the stage herself. One fan expressed their anger on social media, stating, “SM not letting Karina perform her solo song that literally charted and won at a music show but they let another artist from their company perform Karina’s song?”
Many supporters have pointed out that “UP” is not just any song; Karina was involved in its writing and concept development. Critics argue that the agency has failed to promote her achievements adequately, instead opting to push newer artists. One fan remarked, “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.”
The criticism of SM Entertainment’s handling of aespa’s opportunities has intensified in light of recent events. Earlier this week, at the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, Hearts2Hearts performed a cover of aespa’s track “Dirty Work” while aespa themselves performed “Rich Man.” Although the rookie group garnered positive reception for their performance, concerns have risen among fans regarding a perceived pattern of downplaying aespa’s visibility and contributions.
In addition, fans have noted that aespa’s own requests for special stage performances this year have been denied by the company. One supporter tweeted, “The girls themselves requested for special stages and got rejected by the company, but a junior got to perform ‘UP’ before Karina.” This sentiment reflects growing dissatisfaction with how aespa is being treated within the SM Entertainment framework.
The situation has led to a chorus of voices questioning the company’s commitment to aespa, with some fans alleging that the group is being used to bolster the profiles of newer artists. “It’s quite obvious that SM no longer has any interest in treating aespa well or protecting them,” one fan stated. “They’re only using them to fund budgets for their juniors’ comebacks.”
Karina and aespa will also appear at the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon on December 31, but the group’s setlist remains unconfirmed. As the backlash continues to grow, many fans are left wondering how SM Entertainment will respond to the calls for better support and recognition of aespa’s contributions in the future.
