Aespa, a 4th generation K-pop girl group from the ‘Big 3’ agency SM Entertainment, quickly captured the public’s attention upon their debut. With a talented lineup of four members—Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning—the group boasts striking visuals, a unique concept, and catchy music. However, alongside their achievements, their journey has also been marred by numerous controversies, leading the public to question: Can their talent overcome these scandals?
Plagiarism Scandal – A Stain That’s Hard to Erase?
Right from their debut with the “Black Mamba” music video, aespa was called out by the online community for similarities to virtual girl group K/DA’s “Pop/Stars” MV. From character design and visual effects to the way scenes were set up, viewers were reminded of K/DA’s earlier release. Furthermore, German artist Timo Helgert also accused SM Entertainment of plagiarizing his ideas in the music video.
Beyond “Black Mamba,” aespa has been embroiled in various other plagiarism accusations regarding concepts, outfits, and choreography in their later musical releases. This has severely tarnished the group’s image, transforming them from “monster rookies” to “plagiarism queens” in the eyes of some.
Careless Remarks – A Crumbling Image?
Giselle is the member most embroiled in controversies regarding her statements. She faced criticism for using racially insensitive language and exhibiting behaviors perceived as disrespectful towards the culture of the Black community. Later, Giselle caused further shock with remarks related to “suicide” during a livestream. Although she issued an apology, these incidents significantly damaged her image and, to some extent, that of aespa as a whole.
Winter also drew criticism for insensitive comments about hamsters and pet ownership. Meanwhile, Karina was accused of having a poor attitude toward staff and speaking ill of senior artists. These controversies cast doubt on the character and professionalism of aespa members.
Lip-syncing and “Lazy” Dancing – Disappointing Talent?
“In addition to plagiarism allegations and controversial remarks, aespa has faced criticism over their performance abilities. Observers have noted frequent lip-syncing during live shows and a lack of energy and emotion in their dancing, which some describe as ‘lazy.’ This has left many K-pop fans disappointed, feeling that the group prioritizes visuals over showcasing genuine talent and effort.”
While aespa has undeniable talent and a dedicated fanbase, their future hinges on whether they can overcome a string of scandals, learn from their mistakes, and prioritize building a positive image in the demanding world of K-pop.
