[Yoon Jun-pil’s Perspective] aespa, aiming for a “sour-sweet” summer

[Biz Enter / Yoon Junpil Reporter]

aespa (photo source = SM Entertainment)

"This time, we’ve come back with sourness."

Aespa released their full-length album 'LEMONADE' after two years and mentioned 'sourness' instead of their signature team color, 'metallic taste.'

對 aespa 來說，「金屬味」是粉絲們給的暱稱。她們冷冽而堅實的音色、Kwangya 宇宙的金屬質感，以及從「Black Mamba」到「Supernova」依序延續的色彩，都已成為 aespa 的身分識別。

But this time, the fans were the first to coin 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 'sourness' highlighted in this album, saying, "We kept the intensity, but you’ll be able to feel a relaxed and cool energy."

aespa 2nd full album 'LEMONADE' teaser image (photo source = SM Entertainment)

What’s interesting is that the sourness 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 metallic-taste tracks we have." While foregrounding the freshness aimed at summer, they have not let go of the color that has supported them.

One of the album’s key bets is the pre-released double title track 'WDA (Whole Different Animal, Whole Different Animal).' G-DRAGON participated in featuring and rap-making. Karina said, "From the moment we received the demo, we had featuring in mind, and senior kindly 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 age range. In addition, Latin pop star Becky G and hip-hop star Ty Dolla $ign are also on the list, showing that aespa’s collaboration lineup crosses generations, nationalities, and genres.

Starting with this album, aespa’s universe has also changed. Giselle said, "The warnings from 'Next Level' that said, 'Don’t covet what belongs to Kwangya' all connect through to 'LEMONADE.' In this chapter, a crack has finally appeared." By shaking the firmly closed narrative of Kwangya, they created a starting point for a new story for existing fans, and a place where those unfamiliar with aespa’s universe can join the story without pressure.

aespa (photo source = SM Entertainment)

The stage that opens that door first is Gocheok Dome in August. Aespa will kick off their world tour 'SYNC: COMPLEXITY' on August 7–8 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. They are the second K-pop female idol group to perform at Gocheok Dome after BLACKPINK. Winter said, "It’s unbelievable that we’re entering Gocheok Dome, where I had only watched concerts, with our second full album." Beginning in Seoul, it is a long journey across 25 cities.

Karina placed the album’s goal on communication rather than results. She said, "It would be good if it does better than the first album, but more than that, it’s important that many people gain energy from our songs." Just as the album’s motto says: comparing hardships to lemons and turning them into lemonade to drink.

'LEMONADE,' brewed by a master of 'metallic taste,' makes one wonder how refreshingly this sourness will carry this summer.