Karina, the leader of popular K-pop girl group aespa, has made headlines for her honest and emotional comments in the new Netflix documentary Lee Soo Man: King of K-pop, released on May 13. In the film, which focuses on SM Entertainment’s legendary founder Lee Soo Man, Karina speaks openly about a topic often avoided in the K-pop industry — the short career span of female idols.
With her usual grace and confidence, Karina said, “I think about the future a lot. Because female idols don’t have long careers, I think about how to prolong it.” Her words quickly gained attention online, with fans praising her for bravely addressing a subject many shy away from.
Karina’s segment stood out among the several SM artists featured in the documentary. She expressed concern not just for herself but for all female idols trying to build lasting careers in an industry that often favors youth and constantly shifting trends.
“Our team members will always be here, but society keeps changing. So we think about how we can adapt,” she said, highlighting how aespa is already thinking about long-term sustainability in their career.
Fans responded with support and empathy, acknowledging how rare it is for such topics to be discussed so openly by idols. Many pointed out that her comments shed light on the pressures faced by women in K-pop, where older female idols often struggle to stay in the spotlight.
Karina also admitted that she’s still searching for a clear path forward: “All artists think about it. I haven’t found the answer yet, but I gave it some time so I hope I’ll find it.”
Her words struck a chord with many, reminding audiences that behind the glamour of K-pop, there are real concerns about identity, longevity, and the future — especially for women.
