On Monday, May 27, 2024, at the showcase in Yeongsang, Seoul, commemorating the release of their first full-length album, aespa addressed the controversial KakaoTalk conversation involving Bang Si Hyuk's comment to Min Hee Jin, "step on aespa." Karina responded, "I'm aware of the issue, but I've chosen to focus on practice instead of dwelling on it." Winter was spotted laughing and added, "Rather than overthinking it, I believe our first full-length album will be well-received and successful."

K-netizen reaction:

Source: Channel A News via YouTube

[+537] Definitely feels like this incident rose aespa to more fame ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ it worked out for them.

[+413] The fact that Hybe's attempt at stomping out Aespa is ILLIT ㅋㅋㅋ hilarious ㅋㅋㅋ.

[+60] Le Sserafim too.

[+215] The Katalk ended up being praise for them ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ.

[+65] Aespa is so unique in their own way. Bang's standards are somewhere rock bottom, like some thug who chanced upon some money and suddenly thinks the whole world belongs to him.

[+77] Bang Si Hyuk sure can't act his age ㅋㅋㅋㅋ.

[+92] Cheering for New Jeans and Aespa's success

[+196] What Bang doesn't seem to understand is that the reason SM's artists continue to receive love from the public is for their strong skills. Not only does SM pull off the visual performance aspect of being an idol but they back it up with strong vocals. No matter how much Bang tries to copy SM out of his own simmering resentment, he seems to fail to grasp the one thing that makes SM ahead of the game.

[+187] I support New Jeans and Aespa even more because of Bang Shi Hyuk now ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I want the two groups to collab and stomp him out!

[+15, -0] Just look at the pathetic groups that Bang Shi Hyuk has put out. SM would've been f*cked if they merged with them.

[+16] Ugh so embarrassing for him ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ,

[+31] All of Bang's groups are going to sh*t while the one group he tried to stomp out continues to rise above him ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ,

[+64] How could anyone block the power of Aespa x New Jeans ㅋㅋㅋ,

[+45] Let's solve everyone's problems & get Le-Sserafim out of here,