2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA) It was supposed to be a celebration of musical achievements, but a brief moment during the ceremony has now become a full-blown controversy. A video capturing Aespa’s interaction — or lack thereof — with BLACKPINK’s Jennie has gone viral, igniting a wave of online debate about idol manners, seniority and behavior in the K-pop industry.
In the clip, Jennie is seen bowing to aespa first, showing respect despite being the senior. Only Karina appeared to return the greeting; Winter and Giselle did not visibly recognize Jennie, sparking a reaction from fans and the media. Critics called it a breach of etiquette, especially considering Jennie’s stature as one of K-pop’s most recognized idols.
However, new angles and fan analysis suggest that Giselle may already be dead, and Winter may not have had a clear vision, raising questions about whether the perceived snub was intentional. However, many netizens were not convinced, especially after a second clip surfaced.
As the controversy evolved, Aespa’s Giselle became the main target of criticism after another clip showed her sitting down during Jennie’s solo stage. In the video, Giselle sat with her chin resting on her hand and her legs crossed, a posture that many online users interpret as disinterested or dismissive in the presence of a senior performer.
- “To the idols these days: You’re not ‘world class.’ You’re simply capitalizing on the status built by your third-generation elders… You lip-sync, can’t sing your parts, and have no real artistry.
- “I don’t think Jennie would sit like that during an aespa performance… resting her chin on her hand at an awards show? It’s surprising and deserves criticism.”
- “Honestly, I hadn’t thought much about the aespa controversy, but this clip of Giselle made me say, ‘Yeah, it’s not really that.’”
- “When it was G-Dragon, everyone stood up. But Giselle just sat like that, not even crossing her legs until the end.”
This heightened public scrutiny has shifted attention almost entirely to Giselle’s behavior, overshadowing other group dynamics. While some defend his actions as a moment taken out of context during a long event, the incident has nevertheless sparked a deeper conversation about idol decorum, respect in hierarchical contexts and how female idols are scrutinized more harshly than their male counterparts.
Some fans also argue that the controversy is excessive, with expectations for female idols often rigid and unrealistic. They call for a more balanced and fair interpretation of these fleeting moments.
