Grimes Comments On Aespa’s Concept As It Faces Heavy Criticism

The famous singer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to comment.
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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.

aespa
| SM Entertainment

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 teaser
| SM Entertainment 

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.

aespa aes
| SM Entertainment

So, for example, Karina’s counterpart is ae-Karina.

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.

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

The SM Entertainment girl group was even accused of copying Grimes’s concepts based on the heavy use of futuristic designs.

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”

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:

aespa

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