aespa has been at the forefront of innovative concepts and starting trends since their debut in 2020. Their much-anticipated first studio album, ARMAGEDDON, is set to be released on May 27, and there is a lot of excitement around their album including a built-in CD player. This month, we will be diving into the history of aespa.

Forming aespa 

aespa was formed under SM Entertainment, which has also formed iconic girl groups such as Girls’ Generation, f(x), and Red Velvet. In October 2020, SM Entertainment announced the debut of their new girl group, aespa. The founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Sooman, explained that the name is a combination of "avatar x experience" with the English word "aspect". Their name was a foreshadowing of the group's concept and storyline, which includes both human and virtual members, a new concept in K-Pop. Each member has a virtual counterpart called "aes", and their songs would reflect their metaverse storyline of the "aes" fighting crime. Members Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning were revealed soon after.

Karina, Winter, and Ningning were scouted by SM Entertainment casting managers. Ningning was the first to be recruited after casting managers saw her on various singing programs in China. Winter was recruited at a dance festival where she performed with friends, and Karina was recruited on social media, where she would post regularly. Initially, each girl thought they were being scammed and didn't trust the casting managers, but they later realized they were being scouted by the powerhouse company. Giselle was the only member to get into the company after being one of the lucky few to pass an open audition.

Musical Achievements 

On November 17, 2020, aespa debuted with their single "Black Mamba," which became the most-viewed debut music video in K-Pop at the time, with over 21 million views. The music video reflected their concept with colorful cyberpunk and Y2K-themed sets, giving an otherworldly feel. Throughout the video, the group's virtual counterparts would glitch in repeatedly. The song was a combination of dance and electric pop genres and highlighted the members' impressive vocal range. 

The girls dominated the music scene in 2021, their first comeback “Next Level" became a viral hit and peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. The release of their first EP "Savage" reached number one on the Gaon Album Chart and debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200. The title track of the same name achieved a "Perfect All-Kill", which means the song won on all eight music programs on South Korean television.  

In 2022, members Karina and Winter debuted in SM entertainment's project girl group Girls On Top which included an impressive lineup of iconic SM idols such as soloist BoA, Girls Generation's Hyoyeon and Taeyeon, and Red Velvet's Wendy and Seulgi. 

Aespa has gained worldwide popularity with a diverse international fanbase called MY. The group has sold out shows in multiple countries and has performed at major international events such as Coachella in 2022 and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2021. Their 2023 SYNK: HYPER LINE World Tour sold out rapidly, and has made it into a concert film for MYs to enjoy in theaters. 

Fashion Influence

aespa's success has extended to fashion and culture. The girls popularized cyberpunk and tech-wear fashion after wearing them in their music videos and stage performances. They are at the forefront of the Y2K revival by sporting early 2000s fashion such as chunky jewelry, butterfly clips, and mini bags. 

The four-member group became global ambassadors for the Luxury fashion brand Givenchy in 2021 and has collaborated with various top designers such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Prada just to name a few. The girls have been invited to many notable shows during fashion weeks and exclusive brand events by luxury designers such as Prada, Gucci, and Dior. The girls have also appeared at local fashion events in Seoul to support both established and emerging Korean designers. 

Conclusion

aespa has achieved success since their debut in 2020, thanks to their innovative concepts, viral hits, and global influence. They have established themselves as trailblazers in the music industry and the fashion scene. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of their upcoming studio album ARMAGEDDON on May 27, and we can't wait to see the continued success that awaits aespa.

Edited by Vivian N.