aespa's Winter and Karina address lightstick mishap, apologize to fans and slam agency over sales issue: 'So, so sorry...'

K-pop girl group aespa is facing a wave of fan backlash following the mishandling of their new lightstick release. The lightstick, which was intended to be available for online pre-order, was instead sold exclusively at the group’s recent concert, causing significant frustration among fans who had to endure long queues in the heat.

In a rare move, members Winter and Karina have publicly addressed the issue on a fan forum, issuing heartfelt apologies and expressing their disappointment with the way their agency, SM Entertainment, managed the situation. Let's take a closer look.

Winter and Karina issue apologies over the mishandling of the lightstick release

The group had initially announced the release of a new lightstick design, considering fans’ feedback on the matter. While fans had been elated over the release, the poor management from the agency’s end caused a lot of issues. The lightsticks, which were meant to be released for online purchase and pre-order, were made directly available at the group’s recent concert. Fans had to stand hours in line to get the lightstick, and it was also shared that the online pre-orders will only open after the first physical stock finishes. Fans of the girl group had called out the management agency over the poor handling of the situation and for not making the lightsticks available online.

Over the matter and the severe backlash, Winter and Karina took to a popular fan forum platform and issued apologies to their fans.Karina shared a comment about the matter, saying how sorry she is over everything, and even provided clarification about why it all went down like that. She shared, "I'm very angry about the on-site sale of the lightsticks. I asked them to release them for online pre-sales, but they couldn'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 had shared a few voice notes on her account explaining the matter and apologising to fans over the inconvenience. "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”, she shared.Fans were quick to applaud the girls for their comments; however, they also mentioned how they should issue an apology when poor management of stock was done from the company’s side.