Overview

• On May 27, Karina shared a photo on Instagram wearing a red-and-black jacket featuring the number 2, colours and symbols associated with People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo.
• She deleted the image hours later after netizens interpreted it as a subtle political endorsement and began dubbing her “No. 2 voter Karina.”
• Karina issued an apology on the Bubble fan platform, stating she had no hidden political motive and pledging to be more mindful of her posts.
• SM Entertainment released a statement calling the photo “everyday content,” reaffirming her neutrality and promising greater care to prevent misunderstandings.
• The episode has reignited discussions about the stringent, unwritten rules that require K-pop idols to avoid party colours, candidate numbers or suggestive gestures on social media during election seasons.