Karina Becomes the Face of Converse's Chuck 70 X and Run Star Crush as Global Ambassador
aespa's Karina fronted two Converse launches in the summer of 2026 as the brand's global ambassador. The Chuck 70 X came out on 29 June and the Run Star Crush platform shoe on 6 August, and the British magazine Clash reported on 13 August that both are sold on the Converse online store and at retailers worldwide.
What happened
Karina of aespa has fronted two Converse launches as the brand’s global ambassador. According to the Korea Textile News, Converse released the Chuck 70 X with Karina on 29 June 2026. The shoe is a modern reworking of the Chuck 70’s design and details; the ‘X’ in its name stands for the icon’s unlimited possibilities, and the concept is ‘THE ICON REIMAGINED’. The same report said Karina would keep taking part in Converse’s campaigns and brand activities as global ambassador.
The second product followed on 6 August. GP Korea reported that Converse unveiled a new platform shoe, the Run Star Crush, with Karina that day. It is a modern take on the Chuck Taylor design, pairing the classic canvas upper with a sculpted moulded-foam midsole for a fuller silhouette. It comes in two colours, black and egret, and costs 149,000 won.
When and where
The Chuck 70 X went on sale on 29 June in Converse’s physical stores, on its official online store and on the main online malls. Fashionbiz named the company behind it as Converse Korea (chief executive Lee Myung-jae) and reported that the shoe upgrades the fit and the details throughout while keeping the Chuck 70’s heritage. The premium canvas upper, off-white midsole and toe cap stay; a rubber bumper, double-star eyelets and a leather patch on the side are what changed.
The Run Star Crush went on sale on 6 August on the Converse website (converse.co.kr) and in selected stores, Eyesmag reported. It has a curved midsole and sporty details, with a structural design at the arch for stability. Britain’s Clash Magazine reported on 13 August that both shoes are available on the Converse online store and at retailers worldwide. aespa’s official YouTube channel posted a behind-the-scenes video of Karina’s Converse shoot on 31 August.
Why it matters
Karina’s relationship with Converse began in 2024. The Korea Textile News reported on 3 January 2024 that Converse had signed her as a brand ambassador, and she began that spring with the campaign ‘Create Next, 틀린 건 없다’. From the reports of 29 June 2026 onward, two Korean outlets described her as global ambassador, and Clash Magazine reported on 13 August that Converse had announced Karina as a brand ambassador, debuting her in two reimagined takes on the Chuck franchise, the Chuck 70 X and the Run Star Crush. According to the same outlet, Karina said the partnership let her explore her individuality.
According to GP Korea, Converse plans to connect its brand heritage with a younger audience’s sensibility through Karina. One person, then, has moved over two years from the face of a domestic campaign to the face of a global one, and these two pairs of shoes are what came out in between.
What you need to know
- The Chuck 70 X came out on 29 June 2026 and reworks the Chuck 70. Its concept is ‘THE ICON REIMAGINED’.
- The Run Star Crush is a platform shoe unveiled on 6 August, in black and egret, at 149,000 won.
- Clash Magazine reported on 13 August that both shoes are sold on the Converse online store and at retailers worldwide.
- Karina became a Converse brand ambassador in January 2024, and the 2026 reports describe her as global ambassador.
- The behind-the-scenes video of Karina’s Converse shoot is on aespa’s official YouTube channel. K-Culture Radar links to the official upload rather than re-hosting it.
Profiles
Groups
aespa에스파
aespa are a four-member girl group under SM Entertainment — Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning — who debuted on 17 November 2020 with the single 'Black Mamba'. Their second full-length album LEMONADE followed on 29 May 2026, and the official fan club is called MY.
Artists
Karina카리나
Karina (카리나) is the leader of aespa, the four-member girl group under SM Entertainment. The group debuted on 17 November 2020 with the single 'Black Mamba', and Karina was introduced as its second member on 28 October 2020. Her solo songs 'UP' and 'GOOD STUFF' appeared on the SYNK special singles of 2024 and 2025.
- Group
- aespa
- Position
- Leader
- Agency
- SM Entertainment
- Debut
- 17 November 2020
- Brand model
- Condition (HK inno.N), Gentle Monster, MARK & LONA, Chanel Beauty
Sources
Claims in this story link to official or primary sources.
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Related
aespa
SM Entertainment
aespa are a four-member girl group under SM Entertainment — Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning — who debuted on 17 November 2020 with the single 'Black Mamba'. Their second full-length album LEMONADE followed on 29 May 2026, and the official fan club is called MY.
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