Netizens debate whether aespa made the right move by shifting away from the KWANGYA and AI concept

04 Jul 2025, 22:52 by Janie-Reign · allkpop

Netizens are debating whether it was the right move for aespa to shift away from their original AI concept.

On an online forum, users are discussing aespa's evolving group identity since their debut with "Black Mamba" in 2020. aespa initially introduced an 'AI concept,' with their group name derived from 'æ,' representing 'Avatar X Experience,' and the English word 'aspect,' meaning duality. Their early music leaned heavily into the classic 'SMP (SM Performance)' style, blending experimental production with satirical undertones and an AI-driven visual concept set across multiple universes.

However, during the 'MY WORLD' era, aespa appeared to pivot stylistically—possibly influenced by the departure of Lee Soo Man and Yoo Young Jin, who had previously overseen the group's concept. Following their exit amid a management rights dispute at SM Entertainment, aespa moved away from the intense, narrative-heavy framework and began embracing a more realistically darker high-teen concept.

Netizens also pointed out aespa's perceived shift into what many describe as a 'metallic vibe'—a term used metaphorically to describe a harder, edgier, and a much colder aesthetic, likened to the taste of metal.

One netizen wrote:

"aespa should have just stuck with the AI concept. Why did they switch to the metallic vibe ㅠㅠ The AI, futuristic concept was so unique, but the metallic theme feels kind of generic. Even if it was a bit cringy, I liked it better when they were doing the KWANGYA universe and Karina was doing rocket punches."

Others echoed this sentiment, expressing nostalgia for the group’s KWANGYA universe and AI-based storytelling, suggesting that aespa might have become a project even similar to the film 'KPop Demon Hunters' had they stayed with that concept.

SM Entertainment, however, previously stated that the KWANGYA concept was never fully abandoned but was instead temporarily set aside as the group returned to the "real world" to take a break.

General director Cho Woo Chul explained: "Going forward, I still want aespa to be defined as aespa. I believe the music and concepts they pursue are uniquely their own, and with their own approach and expression, they will continue to expand beyond KWANGYA into an infinite world."

Some netizens believe aespa always had a somewhat metallic edge from the beginning, with strong lyrics and a 'girl crush' energy that didn’t stray far from their debut era. Others acknowledged that while they preferred a more mass-oriented, magical, AI-centered identity, the recent shift to a more grounded, darker action-themed aesthetic—hinting at aggression or physical battles—is still appealing.

Meanwhile, opinions about aespa's latest song "Dirty Work" were mixed. Some felt it strayed furthest from the AI and KWANGYA concepts, while others thought it was actually softer in tone compared to earlier tracks like "Savage," "Girls," and "Whiplash."

Reactions include:

"If they had stuck with the AI concept, aespa probably would’ve been the group in 'K-pop Demon Hunters' instead of TWICE"

"Feels like just yesterday the members were saying there were 8 of them including the ae characters, and now 4 are gone"

"Honestly, I’m kinda sad the lyrics don’t mention KWANGYA anymore ㅜ nævis used to be this mysterious figure, but after the solo debut, it all got weird… Personally, ever since Lee Soo Man left, aespa lost its magic for meㅜ"

"Yeah, the new song's not it. The music video is flashy, but that’s about it"

"I feel kinda let down too… Sure, the new concept works and the members look great, and the songs have broader appeal, but I still can’t forget how impactful the KWANGYA universe was"

"Ever since Lee Soo Man left, that distinct SM vibe is gone… Yoo Young Jin used to get so much hate, but his sound defined SM. Even if I wasn’t a fan, I could still feel it in my bones when his style came through"

"I loved 'Supernova' and 'Armageddon' so much, but this new song has no hook... feels like it lacks mass appeal. Am I the only one who’s not into it?ㅠ"

"SM never seems to finish a universe storyline properly. Looks like aespa is the same"

"After BLACKPINK, the girl-crush concept became totally mainstream. Now that groups have more experience, they all seem to go that route and there's not much variety. Maybe that’s why NewJeans caused such a buzz when they debuted, for being so different"

"The Creator (Lee Soo Man) left, so the KWANGYA storyline ended a long time ago"

"The metallic sound worked way better though, and they even won Daesangs with it?"

"Back when Lee Soo Man was around, only 'Next Level' and 'Illusion' were good. After he left, the real public hits came—'Spicy,' 'Supernova,' 'Whiplash.' I prefer the current stuff"

"Honestly, the concept already started changing around 'Spicy.' The AI concept was cool, but I like aespa’s current concept too"

"They were already going for the metallic vibe even when they only revealed the name 'aespa' lololol it's always had that metallic feel, what's the issue"

"Exactly what I’m saying... Please give us more songs like 'Savage' and 'Girls' ㅜㅠ!!!!!"

"Wasn’t it kind of metallic from the start anyway?"

"Actually, I don’t think 'Dirty Work' is metallic at all. Songs like 'Savage,' 'Girls,' and 'Whiplash' felt more metallic. But aespa’s concept is surprisingly diverse"

"It might just be a matter of taste, but I really liked 'Dirty Work'... Maybe I just have average ears, but aside from 'Girls,' all of aespa’s songs have been catchy and good to me ㅠㅠ I don’t get why people keep putting them down"

"The recent concept is much better"

"aespa has maintained a futuristic vibe since debut. The AI characters are just one part of that—AI doesn't define futurism"

"Lee Soo Man ran off with the whole universe concept"

"AI stuff costs a ton of money though"

"They should’ve just continued with the alien concept like in 'Supernova' or 'Armageddon.' 'Dirty Work' just wasn’t it"

"Now it feels a lot like LE SSERAFIM’s concept"

"For me, their standout eras were 'Black Mamba' to 'Savage,' and 'Girls' was peak visuals. Now the makeup looks really strange… way too dark and heavy"

"It’s also disappointing that the storyline videos disappeared. I used to watch every single one religiously…"

"Wasn’t everyone begging them to drop KWANGYA just a while ago?"

"To be honest, I thought the KWANGYA universe was fun, but I like the current direction more. The members keep hitting new visual peaks with every comeback—they look amazing"

What are your thoughts and personal preferences for aespa's concepts?

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