aespa's Karina has addressed the frowning expression captured during her airport departure.
On Wednesday, Karina shared several photos taken at Incheon International Airport on her social media, putting fans' concerns to rest.
In the photos, Karina wore a coordinated all-white outfit — a loose white shirt paired with knee-length pants, white boots and a mini bag.
In some of the shots, her noticeably furrowed expression drew attention.
Karina addressed the situation directly on social media. "Because of allergies, the only way to hide it was to scrunch up my face, so I had no choice but to walk around frowning," she said. "I'm upset about it."
She added, "I really liked my hair and makeup today, Wednesday. I'm heading out now. Fighting!" — signing off with her characteristically upbeat farewell.
Karina elaborated on a fan communication platform. "I'm so upset. Allergies broke out all over my face on the way to the airport — my forehead and cheeks swelled up and my skin was a mess," she wrote. "I noticed that scrunching my face hid it, so I was walking around like that. Please don't misunderstand — it was my allergy-hiding face."
Meanwhile, Karina and fellow aespa member Winter departed Wednesday morning through Incheon International Airport for Mexico, where they will join a cheering squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
min3654@heraldcorp.com
