On May 6, Vogue released a video titled “KARINA Gets Ready for the Met Gala,” capturing the idol in the midst of her preparations.
Despite her level-headed image, Karina showed a playful and relatable side, joking: “I look like a dinosaur right now. Do you know Spinosaurus?”
His lighthearted commentary contrasted with the grandeur of the event, immediately captivating viewers and easing the tension of the moment.
Karina admitted that the experience was even more nerve-wracking than performing on stage: “The Met Gala is a really historic, fashion-driven event. I talked to Prada a lot about the look. I’m more nervous than when I perform.”
She also revealed that putting on makeup in front of the cameras was a completely new experience, which increased her excitement and pressure.
For her debut, Karina chose a custom Prada look but with a decidedly Korean twist.
“Fashion is a way to express yourself beyond just clothes. I fell in love with this dress at first sight.” He explained that the concept focuses on fusing Prada’s identity with Korean aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the traditional hanbok. The final design featured a minimalist silhouette paired with a flowing cape, subtly echoing classic Korean elements.
Her stylist added: “We were inspired by a cape that spreads like Elsa’s, but reinterpreted with Korean beauty.”
The result was a look that many fans described as “Hanbok Elsa,” a perfect fusion of global couture and cultural identity.
Beyond fashion, Karina also spoke about her dual identity as both an idol and an individual.
“Like Yoo Ji Min, I am shy but also outgoing. Like Karina, I try to be more calm and elegant.” She shared that while she expects to feel nervous before hitting the red carpet, she naturally transforms once the moment begins.
Concluding her preparation, Karina expressed excitement and anticipation: “I love this dress. Do you like it too? It’s my first Met Gala, so I’m nervous, but I want to show a beautiful side of myself.”
From joking about looking like a dinosaur to embodying graceful elegance on one of fashion’s biggest stages, Karina’s Met Gala debut marked a defining moment, not just for her, but for K-pop’s growing influence in global fashion.
Sources: MK Sports, Vogue
