Aespa

Did You Know?

• The group's name combines the English initials for 'avatar' and 'experience' (Avatar X Experience) with the English word 'aspect,' meaning 'two sides,' to symbolize meeting another self and experiencing the new world.
• Karina appeared in labelmate Taemin's music video for 'Want' in February 2019.
• Aespa's logo was teased at the end of SuperM's 'One (Monster & Infinity)' music video.

Career

Before they were Aespa, two members had already been in the spotlight. Ningning joined SM’s pre-debut trainee group SM Rookies in September 2016, appearing on a segment of My SMT and recording covers for the animated show Shining Star the following year. Karina featured in labelmate Taemin’s “Want” music video in February 2019 and performed alongside him on music shows; she also appeared with Kai in a virtual showcase for Hyundai and SM Entertainment. Aespa’s logo was first teased at the end of SuperM’s “One (Monster & Infinity)” video.

In late October 2020, SM Entertainment announced its first new girl group since Red Velvet in 2014—and its first idol group since NCT in 2016. The members were revealed one by one starting October 27: Winter, Karina, Ningning, and Giselle. Founder Lee Soo-man explained the group’s concept at a forum the next day. On November 2, a trailer featuring all four members dropped, along with news of their debut single “Black Mamba,” released November 17. Its music video set a record for a K-pop debut, racking up 21.4 million views in its first 24 hours. The group made their broadcast debut on KBS2’s Music Bank on November 20, and scored their first music show win on SBS’s Inkigayo on January 17, 2021.

On January 29, 2021, SM announced Aespa would release a remake of “Forever,” originally by Yoo Young-jin from SM’s 2000 holiday album. Their version—a mid-tempo ballad with acoustic guitar and warm lyrics about promising forever to a loved one—came out on February 5.

Other ventures

From early 2021, Aespa began a long string of brand partnerships. On February 10, they became Givenchy's first K-pop ambassador. Later that year, they signed deals with Clio, Mediheal, Eider, and KB Kookmin Bank. In November, Acqua di Parma chose them as muse, and the mobile RPG Eternal Return announced a collaboration. On April 8, 2022, Aespa modeled for Lotte Chilsung's Tamz Zero. That August, they became global ambassador for MLB and a new model for Lotte Duty Free. On September 1, they were named global ambassador for Chopard and appeared in an Intel ad. In December, they served as promotional models for Epic Seven. In October 2023, Crocs released the Aespa x Crocs Stomp Lined Clog. On December 8, Urban Sophistication announced a limited capsule collection of three iPhone cases—æconic, Synk Dive, and Drama—featuring Aespa's signature Aurora color and a black shade from the "Drama" music video. In February 2024, Aespa became ambassador for Nabati Richoco, and on February 28, Amorepacific selected them as global ambassador for Mise-en-scène. In May, they were appointed Incheon International Airport's honorary ambassador and modeled for the Refrear Series contact lens "a-eye." In June 2025, Aespa released the single "Dirty Work" with Hyundai Steel, filming the music video teaser at Hyundai Steel Dangjin Steelworks, and partnered with Apple for a performance video shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro. On July 8, 2025, PUBG: Battlegrounds launched Update 36.2 featuring Aespa-themed costume sets, weapon skins, emote packs, sprays, and the lobby track "PNC 2025 Anthem (Aespa – Dark Arts)." Also in July 2025, a collaboration with Street Fighter 6 added in-game cosmetics based on the group.