A fan asked, and aespa's Karina signed a NewJeans photocard — after saying 'hi' to it

A fan event in the U.S. has K-pop fans talking. During aespa's 'SYNK : COMPLæXITY' tour send-off in Dallas, Texas, a fan handed Karina not one of her own group's cards but a NewJeans photocard featuring all five members — including Danielle, who was pushed out of the group in late 2025.

The aespa leader looked surprised when she realized whose photo it was, broke into a wide smile and even said 'hi' to the photocard before signing it. The clip spread quickly on social media.

Fans hailed the moment as proof that 'aeJeans', the nickname for the friendship between the two groups, 'is still alive', with one writing that 'you can tell she misses them'. The interaction stands out given the tensions between the two groups that date back to the 2024 controversies involving industry executives.