A heated debate has erupted over a Cortiz member's behavior when aespa clinched No. 1.
On the 10th, clips from the September broadcast of MBC Show! Music Core began going viral across various social media platforms and online communities.
At the time on Show! Music Core, IVE's 'XOXO', aespa's 'Rich Man', and Haechan's 'Crazy' were in a showdown for first place. After combining the pre-votes and live votes, the winner was aespa. Since aespa did not appear on the broadcast that day, the MCs announced they would accept the trophy on the group's behalf.
The moment resurfaced roughly three months later because of one Cortiz member's unusual expression caught on camera right before the announcement. Standing behind Haechan, the member pursed their lips into a pronounced downturn as the winner was revealed.
This sparked mixed reactions: some commented, "What was that face?" and "Such a jarring vibe." Others pushed back, saying, "Stop the baseless hate" and "Why is this even a controversy now?"