aespa Karina’s cruel treatment by photographers at “2026 Met Gala” causes big reactions

bye Karina‘s treatment by the photographers at the 2026 Met Gala sparked huge reactions online, with many very angry.

On May 4 (local time) Karina gave the 2026 Met Gala.

Prada ambassador Karina has a #Prada white satin dress with a tabier neckline embroidered with jet beads and silver crystals, paired with a black satin evening cape, silver leather sandals, Prada Fine Jewelry Couleur Vivante earrings in white gold, peridots, amethysts and … pic.twitter.com/aYNflyIrAT

— PRADA (@Prada) May 5, 2026

A video that got attention seemed to suggest that Karina wasn’t getting attention when she made her appearance.

i’m crying NOBODY GIVES??? 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/v3lpZW3Cl9

— ً (@pearlytrivia) May 5, 2026

In the comments, some used it as an excuse to mock Karina, saying she wasn’t famous enough for the photographers to care, but it also sparked a debate about racism, with many saying that Asian acts usually get that treatment.

not a single flash https://t.co/VtlaBFZxgU

— sdl ٭ ⊙⊝⊜ (@_sdl93) May 5, 2026

They cruelly ignored her https://t.co/4O3v4Xu9TO

— JAEKAY✮ (@jeonisdarling) May 5, 2026

it’s sad that they always do this with asian celebrities https://t.co/h4vOPOBptR

— Nod 🏹 | 𝖆𝖆𝖍𝖆 ° • ☆ (@nikandkisses) May 5, 2026

The topic of racism was also brought up when an OP shared that a photographer had mistaken Karina BLACK PINKsay Jisoo, by calling her name instead.

I told you SM sent their idols just to be humiliated lol no one even took pictures of her or Ningning, and no one knows them. Such an embarrassment, please go back to the MAMA Awards pic.twitter.com/p2e9g5N9G4

— YNAA ᥫ᭡ (@mzrrr_mk) May 5, 2026

While some tried to use it against Karina, many shared their anger at how the photographers have a reputation for making K-Pop stars feel uncomfortable, and that the comment was racist, making it seem like all Koreans look the same, which will lead to them mixing up Jisoo and Karina.

Photographers always create such an awkward environment for Korean artists at the met gala. in 2024 they yelled “arigato” at stray kids and made covid jokes, this year they didn’t bother to do their homework and learn the difference between invited guests pic.twitter.com/bQtayOLYJj

— val (@qweenbeeval) May 5, 2026

This is pure racism btw https://t.co/khshbFAsUY

— ae1-kern🍋 (@jeanspaa) May 5, 2026

Not every Korean looks the same, it’s so xenophobic🫤 https://t.co/Z5G9EMcCrB

— ᜊ(੭ ˊ ᵕˋ)੭ (@Baekie_bum) May 5, 2026