Aespa‘s widely loved and praised concept has unexpectedly come under fire from netizens in recent days. The teaser images released by SM Entertainment in the build-up to their much-anticipated comeback later this October have been at the center of criticism.
The girl group is known for their unique “ae” concept — something that’s accompanied many of their releases since their debut with “Black Mamba.”
Aespa’s “ae” concept is centered around the integration of virtual avatars, known as “ae,” with the group’s real-life members. Each aespa member has a corresponding digital counterpart that exists in a virtual world called “KWANGYA.” These avatars are connected to the members through data, representing their alter-egos.
So, for example, Karina’s counterpart is ae-Karina.
aespa 에스파 ‘Whiplash’ ae-KARINA : Whiplash Universe
aespa 에스파 The 5th Mini Album〖Whiplash〗
➫ 2024.10.21 6PM (KST)🔗 https://t.co/8IVqBeE9vE
💿 https://t.co/vf9C9KK4FO#aespa #æspa #에스파 #KARINA #카리나#Whiplash #aespaWhiplash pic.twitter.com/htUcdH9UUX— aespa (@aespa_official) September 29, 2024
While it’s been quite a while since the “aes” last made an appearance during an aespa comeback, they finally made their return with the teaser images for Whiplash.
In the initial set of concept photos, the avatars appeared with a noticeable upgrade. Not only did the graphics look significantly more realistic, but the outfits were also sleeker and more provocative, resembling characters straight out of a video game.
aespa 에스파 ‘Whiplash’ ae-WINTER : Whiplash Universe
aespa 에스파 The 5th Mini Album〖Whiplash〗
➫ 2024.10.21 6PM (KST)🔗 https://t.co/8IVqBeE9vE
💿 https://t.co/vf9C9KK4FO#aespa #æspa #에스파 #WINTER #윈터#Whiplash #aespaWhiplash pic.twitter.com/amZVKAQu2Z— aespa (@aespa_official) September 29, 2024
While fans were totally obsessed with the update, many others criticized the girl group. Korean netizens worried the outfits could be too revealing, while international critics argued that the aes set impossible standards of being “super skinny and perfect” versions of aespa.
Aespa’s ae-Members’ “Sexy” Upgrade Is Met With Heavily Divided Reactions
no hate but these are literally super skinny and ‘perfect’ versions of the girls… like this is literally and impossible standard, an idealised version of real people which can’t be easy for them to see. idk it’s just weird to me https://t.co/hRzUAk6E0R
— jay ♡ of all we have lost (@loveyoutwicee) September 30, 2024
The SM Entertainment girl group was even accused of copying Grimes’s concepts based on the heavy use of futuristic designs.
sm stans must live in their own bubble cause a lot of aespa concepts are copy of grimes🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/ieWvmmjJbE
— tessa♡̶ (@0X1SEOLA) September 30, 2024
Fans have been defending the group and the concept online, explaining the depths of the lore behind the design choices. However, everyone was shocked when Grimes herself stepped in and defended the concept on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The singer, famously fond of aespa, stepped in and stated, “Few understand that æspa are also self-replicating digital pop stars. æ ai”
Few understand that æspa are also self replicating digital pop stars. æ ai https://t.co/LbB69sQKWx
— 𝖦𝗋𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 ⏳ (@Grimezsz) October 1, 2024
Grimes seems particularly fond of the Whiplash concept images as she also liked and commented on aespa’s official Instagram account. Meanwhile, many fans have taken these interactions as hints that another collaboration between aespa and Grimes could be on the way. You can check out Grimes’ first collab with aespa in the form of a “Supernova” remix below:
