Karina and Winter express frustration and apologize to fans over SM's handling of aespa's new lightstick release

aespa members Karina and Winter have spoken out about SM Entertainment’s handling of the group’s newly redesigned lightstick, expressing frustration and apologizing to fans.

The lightstick renewal project, which had been in discussion since early last year, was a collaborative effort in which the members themselves took part by gathering fan feedback. 

However, despite the long preparation time, the items were not made available for pre-order or early shipping. Instead, they were sold exclusively at aespa’s concert venue booths on the day of the show, forcing fans to line up in the summer heat. Only after the initial stock sells out will online orders be available.

Karina took to the fan communication app Bubble to apologize directly to fans, expressing regret that the rollout left many feeling inconvenienced. She shared that she had asked SM Entertainment to allow fans to purchase the lightsticks online, but due to issues, it was impossible.

Karina wrote, "I'm very angry about the on-site sale of the lightsticks. I asked them to release them for online pre-sales, but they can't release them on time because there was an issue during production. They said they would expand the booths as much as possible, but in this heat... I'm so, so sorry. I wanted to make it a happy concert."

Winter also voiced her frustration during a recent live voice stream and expressed her anger, saying, "They could do online sales and make it possible for fans to pick up the items at the site. Then, fans will wait less. On-site sales...They're so inconsiderate. At least, make it possible for online purchase. I'm so upset. These people need to experience how difficult it is to wait in the heat under the sun...I'm sure they know... but I wish the response was better. Just a bit disappointing how it was handled."

Winter even expressed that fans who purchase the lightstick at the booths during the concert event deserve all four photocards, rather than a random one. 

Despite the members' wishes, SM Entertainment announced that a random photo card will be given with the new lightstick purchase.

Following the incident, fans and K-pop online community users gathered to share their opinions on the matter. Many criticized SM Entertainment for their handling of the case and commented:

"Why do the artists have to apologize and explain? Why are they the ones taking the heat on behalf of fans, even criticizing their own company??? What is wrong with SM?"

"Wow, the price is 47,000 KRW (~33.69 USD) too… This is too much. The idols are the ones apologizing, while the company just makes money."

"Wait, does the company take all the money from this?!!!"

"Hearing Winter’s voice sounding upset breaks my heart. Has SM lost its mind?"

"The lightstick is so expensive. The whole 'random photo card' culture needs to disappear."

"Honestly, it makes no sense that an official lightstick costs more than the fan club membership fee. Concerts are one thing, but for regular schedules, too, they expect you to carry it around, and then they sell it at a ridiculous price."

"SM, just give the photo cards as a set. Out of all the agencies, your treatment of fans is the worst. This isn’t the 1990s anymore."

"The company makes the mistake, and it's the artists who have to apologize."

"I can't believe they're not releasing it online first."

"Wow, they're not thinking about the fans. They just want to make money."

"Winter really sounds upset."

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