Since her debut, aespa's Karina has gone viral, capturing public attention with her beautiful looks. Her visuals have been called "unrealistic like AI" and she's survived the "Getty Images curse." Her beauty is now recognized by photojournalists who have captured Karina's photos on various occasions.
On Monday (May 18, 2026), aespa's Karina was a special guest at the 2026 KOPA & Nikon Press Photo Awards. The awards ceremony is organized by the Korea Online Press Photographers Association and sponsored by Nikon.
The K-pop group's visual artist was announced as the winner of the 'Photogenic of the Year' award, joining a number of other beautiful artists. Before aespa's Karina, the Korea Online Press Photographers Association had given this award to Korean female artists with stunning visuals captured on camera by journalists.
Among them were Kim Hye Soo (2025), Park Eun Bin (2024), Kim Go Eun (2023), Kim Tae Ri (2022), Lee Min Jung (2021), Han Ye Seul (2020), Suzy (2019), Yoona (2018), Seolhyun (2017), Park Bo Young (2016), Son Ye Jin (2015), Han Ji Min (2014), and Jung Ryeo Won (2013).
The awards ceremony featured memorable photos captured by photojournalists over the past year. In a photo shared by My Daily, aespa's Karina is seen looking at the framed shots at the event venue. In contrast to her stage costume, aespa's Karina looked elegant in a long, sleeveless black dress with her hair pulled back in a neat bun.
Her look was complemented by luxurious diamond jewelry. In her acceptance speech, aespa's Karina expressed her appreciation to the photojournalists who always captured her moments beautifully.
"I always want to say thank you for always capturing me so beautifully, even though I can't see myself with my own eyes. Thank you for this opportunity." Each year, awards are given to photojournalists in the photogenic, sports, and entertainment categories.
Winners are selected based on votes from members of the Korea Online Press Photographers Association. Park Se Wan, the JTBC Entertainment photojournalist who captured the photo of aespa's Karina, won the photogenic category.
Meanwhile, Karina aespa is preparing to start a comeback with her group with the second full album 'LEMONADE' which will be released on May 29, 2026. Recently, Karina aespa has also gone viral as a campaign model for the Gentle Monster eyewear brand.
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