[Yoon Jun-pil’s View] aespa Targets a ‘Sweet-and-Sour’ Summer with ‘Sweet Combo’

[Bizenter/Yoon Jun-pil Reporter]

Aespa (photo source = SM Entertainment)

"This time, we came back with sourness."

Aespa released their full-length album 'LEMONADE' after two years and referred to their signature team color, 'metallic taste,' as 'sour taste' instead.

For Aespa, 'metallic taste' is a nickname given by fans. The cold, solid sound, the metallic texture of the Kwangya worldview, and the colors ieojeojyeo from 'Black Mamba' to 'Supernova' have become Aespa's identity.

But this time, fans were the first to give them a new nickname: 'metallic-sweet.' At a press conference held on the 28th at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Aespa member Ningning explained the 'sour taste' concept they are presenting on this album, saying, "While keeping the intensity, you can feel a relaxed and cool energy."

Aespa's 2nd full-length album 'LEMONADE' teaser image (photo source = SM Entertainment)

What is interesting is that the sour taste did not push out the metallic taste. The album track 'SHAKIN' is a song that retains Aespa's existing color. Karina described it as "one of the tracks with the metallic taste we have." While emphasizing a refreshing summer feel, they have not let go of the color that has supported them.

One of the album's key moves is the pre-released double title track 'WDA (Whole Different Animal).' G-DRAGON participated in the featuring and rap-making. Karina said, "From the moment we received the demo, we had a featuring in mind, and the senior artist gladly joined us." It is a meeting between G-DRAGON, the pinnacle of K-pop's second generation, and Aespa, the girl group representing the fourth generation. It is also a combination that can attract interest from a broad range of age groups. In addition, with Latin pop star Becky G and hip-hop star Ty Dolla $ign added to the lineup, Aespa's collaboration roster spans generations, nationalities, and genres.

Starting with this album, Aespa's worldview has also changed. Giselle said, "The warnings in 'Next Level' that said, 'Do not covet what is in Kwangya' are all connected through 'LEMONADE.' In this chapter, a crack has finally appeared." By shaking the firmly sealed Kwangya narrative, they have created a starting point for a new story for existing fans and a point where those unfamiliar with Aespa's worldview can join the story without burden.

Aespa (photo source = SM Entertainment)

The stage that opens that door first is Gocheok Dome in August. Aespa will kick off their world tour 'SYNK: COMPLEXITY' on August 7-8 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. They are the second female K-pop idol group to perform at Gocheok Dome after BLACKPINK. Winter said, "It feels unbelievable to enter Gocheok Dome, which I had only seen in concerts, with our second full-length album." It is a long journey that begins in Seoul and continues through 25 cities.

Karina placed the album's goal on communication rather than results. She said, "It would be nice if it does better than the first album, but more importantly, it is crucial that more people gain energy from our songs." True to the album's motto of comparing hardships to lemons and turning them into lemonade.

'LEMONADE,' crafted by masters of the 'metallic taste,' makes one wonder how refreshingly this sour taste will carry this summer.