“This is disgusting.”
aespa‘s Karina was recently announced as part of the Seoul Waterbomb 2025 lineup.
The announcement garnered mixed reactions due to her recent controversies. However, many are more concerned with the latest content.
aespa Karina’s Waterbomb Appearance Sets Off Hugely Divided Reactions
In the festival’s newest promotional video, a still photo of Karina is turned into a video using AI. She blinks, looks around, and moves slightly.
Fans condemn the use of AI and deepfake technology on idols for their safety as the technology has been used in harmful and exploitive ways.
the official waterbomb page uses deepfake technology to make karina blink in their latest reel. this is disgusting pic.twitter.com/i389Z9fjkM
— shinto ੯‧̀͡⬮ (@killingryejmj) June 10, 2025
sorry but how is sm posting statements saying they’re actively sueing people making deepfakes of the girls yet they’re letting waterbomb promote their festival using deepfake technology on karina this is disgusting https://t.co/f8tp1BC2NL
— ☆ (@thereforyu) June 10, 2025
Previously, SM Entertainment issued a statement against the use of deepfakes among their idols. Fans hope that the company can have the video removed to not inspire further usage.
using deepfake tech on karina is so harmful and dangerous, sm needs to have it taken down immediately. it was already obvious she’d be performing at waterbomb but more than anything, i just hope she feels safe and has fun. her stylist really needs to take this seriously
— liz ꫂ ၴႅၴ (@rinacvnty) June 10, 2025
so sm releases a statement talking about how the use of ai and deepfake technology on their artists is bad, but then allows whoever edits for @waterbomb_seoul to use that same technology on karina just for promotion?
— rosie ♡ྀི｡ꪆৎ˚ (@loveyudoll) June 10, 2025
Fans also expressed disappointment in the comments.
