By Lila Roberts — Entertainment Editor
aespa member Karina touched off a social media storm in Dallas, Texas, after smiling and waving directly at an OT5 NewJeans photocard handed to her by a fan during a post-concert send-off, as reported by Koreaboo.
The Dallas Send-Off Moment
The interaction took place following aespa’s SYNK : COMPLæXITY concert. During the routine fan send-off event, a supporter approached Karina with a photocard and asked for her signature. Upon examining the item, Karina asked who was on it, prompting the fan to shout “NewJeans!”
Video footage capturing the exchange shows Karina registering surprise before breaking into a wide smile. She acknowledged the card by saying “hi” to the image before signing it. The photocard featured all five members of NewJeans, including Danielle, who was ousted from the group by ADOR in late December.
Reactions Across Social Platforms
The clip spread rapidly across platforms like X and TikTok. It triggered widespread celebration among supporters of both groups, who use the portmanteau “aeJeans.”
Bang Si Hyuk Asked Min Hee Jin to Crush Aespa
The viral moment arrives against a backdrop of intertwined history that predates both groups’ debuts. In 2024, then ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin revealed that during the early formation stages of a girl group, Bang Si Hyuk asked her whether she could crush aespa.
A Record of Mutual Support
Despite persistent rivalry narratives, members of both acts have frequently shown public support for one another. Earlier this year, aespa drew attention from fans who spotted potential references to NewJeans tracks within the choreography for their song “LEMONADE.”
What Remains to Be Seen
Whether this unscripted fan interaction will prompt any official acknowledgment or further public displays between the members of aespa and NewJeans as their respective promotions continue remains unaddressed by their agencies.
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