Tag: aespa

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aespa’s Ningning Chosen as New Versace Global Ambassador

Ningning just landed a major endorsement. The youngest aespa member has just been confirmed as the new Versace global ambassador!

Ningning is the Latest Versace Global Ambassador

On February 8, aespa’s Ningning achieved a significant milestone in her career by joining the esteemed ranks of global ambassadors for the iconic Italian luxury brand Versace. The announcement, made by none other than Donatella Versace herself, underscored Ningning’s remarkable talent, vision, and undeniable charm.

Donatella Versace expressed her excitement about welcoming Ningning into the Versace family, highlighting not only her exceptional talent but also her innate sense of style and confidence. Ningning’s appointment as a Global Brand Ambassador marks a significant achievement for the aespa member, signaling her emergence as a fashion icon with global appeal.

For Ningning, this partnership with Versace represents her first solo collaboration with a luxury fashion brand, following aespa’s previous group ambassadorship with the renowned French fashion house, Givenchy. The distinction of being chosen as a global ambassador underscores Ningning’s growing influence and standing in the world of fashion and entertainment.

aespa’s Solo Endorsements

In addition to Ningning’s partnership with Versace, another member of aespa, Karina, has also made waves in the fashion industry. Karina was recently announced as the newest ambassador for Converse Korea, adding another prestigious brand to her portfolio. The announcement comes as Converse Korea unveiled Karina as the face of their spring campaign, aptly themed “Create Next, Nothing’s Wrong.”

The choice of Karina as the ambassador for Converse Korea’s spring campaign reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering the younger generation and fostering creativity and self-expression. Karina’s involvement in the campaign is expected to resonate strongly with Converse’s target audience, delivering a message of encouragement and support to inspire the next generation of innovators and trendsetters.

Overall, Ningning and Karina’s respective partnerships with Versace and Converse Korea underscore aespa’s growing influence and global appeal beyond the realm of music. As the group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their talent and creativity, their individual achievements in the fashion industry also serve as a testament to their versatility and status as rising stars in the world of entertainment.

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Look: aespa’s Karina Is Converse Korea’s Newest Ambassador

aespa's Karina poses in the campaign of Converse Korea. Credit: Twitter/aespa

Here comes the new face of Converse! On January 3, Converse Korea announced that they have selected Karina of girl group aespa as the newest ambassador for the brand.

After releasing a couple of hints and teasers earlier, Converse has officially confirmed that Karina will be participating in the brand’s spring campaign. Notably, the specific campaign will have the tagline: “Create Next, Nothing’s Wrong.” According to reports, the brand aims to deliver a message of support to the younger generation through this specific campaign with the idol. 

After the announcement, Converse Korea’s official Instagram account also followed the aespa member. Additionally, they also changed their Instagram bio to “De Luxe Collection with Karina.”

Moreover, the brand’s campaign video and pictorial featuring the idol is now available for viewing via Converse’s official website.

On social media, fans of aespa quickly expressed their delight in the idol’s latest ambassadorship. While the brand has been dropping hints that they’ll have Karina onboard, fans were still ecstatic to have it officially announced. As well as finally seeing the idol’s photos for the brand. 

Karina taking over with her visuals

With this news, Converse Korea is now the latest addition to the aespa member’s list of brand partnerships. 

Aside from Converse, Karina has also been selected by CHIC Magazine as the front page cover for their January 2024 issue. Interestingly, this will be the singer’s first cover appearance in a Chinese magazine.

Prior to that, she was also appointed as a model for Lotte Chilsung’s new beer “Kloud Krush” late last year.

Proving that her visuals go beyond the stage and brands, Karina has also been named as one of the top 20 most popular K-pop female idols in December 2023. According to the Korean Business Research Institute, Karina ranked 14th in the list.

In other news, aespa has recently made an appearance at the Kross K-Pop Concert in Japan. Despite an earthquake hitting Japan a few days ago, the event proceeded with a number of artists in the lineup. There, Karina, Ningning, Giselle and Winter tore up the stage with a performance of their latest track “Drama.”

Featured image: aespa’s Karina poses in the campaign of Converse Korea. Credit: Twitter/aespa

 

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Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Makes Surprise Appearance in aespa’s Dance Challenge Video

STRAY KIDS’ Hyunjin has made a surprise appearance in Giselle and Ningning’s “Drama” dance challenge. The unexpected interaction with the aespa members certainly created a delightful and amusing moment for fans.

Hyunjin’s Surprise Appearance in aespa’s TikTok Video Has Fans Laughing

Dance challenges have become a popular way for K-pop idols to engage with their fans and promote their releases. These challenges often lead to unexpected interactions between idols, adding an element of surprise and joy for fans.

In the case of STRAY KIDS, their dance challenges prior to the release of “S-CLASS” were primarily filmed with other JYP Entertainment artists. However, the landscape changed when NCT’s Taeyong joined the scene, contributing to a broader range of interactions between groups. Amazingly, it would lead to another awesome interaction, albeit an accidental one.

@aespa_official

#ImtheDrama with #TAEYONG 🤘💫 #NCT #NCT127 #태용 #aespa #에스파 #GISELLE #지젤 #NINGNING #닝닝 #Drama #aespaDrama #shorts

♬ Drama – aespa

Following the release of “Drama,” aespa engaged in numerous dance challenges with various artists. On December 28, aespa fulfilled another fan request by sharing a challenge video featuring NCT leader Taeyong during the 2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon. While the idols showcased their dance skills, fans couldn’t help but notice an unexpected guest in the background.

As Giselle, Ningning, and Taeyong passionately danced, Hyunjin made a surprise appearance around the corner, quickly retracting upon realizing that a video was being filmed. Fans were quick to spot Hyunjin’s impromptu cameo, finding his reaction amusing and endearing.

K-Pop Fans React to Hyunjin’s Surprise Appearance

Some fans playfully expressed their joy at witnessing Hyunjin’s unexpected participation in the dance challenge, even if it was from a distance.

The unplanned interaction between Hyunjin and aespa added a lighthearted and entertaining moment to the ongoing trend of dance challenges in the K-pop industry. Fans appreciated the humor and camaraderie between idols, showcasing the fun and friendly atmosphere within the K-pop community.

In related news, STRAY KIDS has been named one of the eight recipients of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation for the 2023 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. This distinction is a significant recognition bestowed upon individuals and groups who have made substantial contributions to the promotion and dissemination of Korean culture.

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aespa And THE BOYZ to Headline 2024 Krazy Super Concert In Los Angeles

aespa and THE BOYZ are headed for Los Angeles next year! The popular groups are the first acts confirmed to perform at the upcoming 2024 Krazy Super Concert in Los Angeles.

2024 Krazy Super Concert Unveils First Two Acts For Los Angeles Leg

The Krazy Super Concert series, a sensation that kicked off in New York over the summer, is set to captivate Los Angeles as it makes its way to the West Coast. Pulse Events, spearheaded by CEO Luffy Huang, announced the exciting news on December 22, local time, revealing plans for the first-ever Krazy Super Concert in LA to coincide with the Lunar New Year celebrations in February 2024.

The event promises a spectacular showcase featuring performances by popular K-pop groups aespa and THE BOYZ. The decision to bring the 2024 Krazy Super Concert to Los Angeles also underscores the global appeal and influence of K-pop, offering fans on the West Coast an opportunity to experience the energy and talent of their favorite artists in person.

 

Scheduled for February 10, 2024, the concert will unfold at the iconic BMO Stadium, providing a fitting backdrop for the Lunar New Year festivities. While aespa and THE BOYZ have been confirmed as headliners, the organizers have also teased that the full artist lineup will be unveiled in early January, adding an element of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the announcement.

Where to Get 2024 Krazy Super Concert Tickets

Fans will have the chance to secure their spots at the concert with the pre-sale of general admission tickets and VIP packages, commencing on Tuesday, January 9, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. The pre-sale will also be accessible through Krazy Super Concert’s official website, where enthusiasts can stay tuned for updates and details.

For those who miss out on the pre-sale, the public on-sale is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 10, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. This dual-phase ticketing approach also ensures that dedicated fans have multiple opportunities to secure their tickets and make plans to be part of the K-pop extravaganza in Los Angeles.

The expansion of the Krazy Super Concert series to Los Angeles not only affirms the genre’s global popularity but also reflects the organizers’ commitment to providing fans across the United States with immersive live experiences. As the anticipation builds and the full artist lineup is revealed, K-pop enthusiasts in Los Angeles can also look forward to a memorable Lunar New Year celebration with their favorite acts on stage at the BMO Stadium in February 2024.

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‘My Roommate is a Gumiho’ Star Hyeri Mistaken for aespa Member

Hyeri has already established herself as a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry. In addition to her success as a member of Girl’s Day, Lee Hye-ri has become one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation. Still, some don’t know who she is but still assume she is a major celebrity. For instance, the “My Roommate is a Gumiho” star was just mistaken for a member of aespa!

‘My Roommate is a Gumiho’ Actor Lee Hyeri Shares Hilarious Encounters During Tokyo Trip

In her latest video, titled “TOKYO SHOPPING HAUL,” Hyeri shared her shopping experience in Tokyo and showcased the unique and stylish items she purchased. The video’s highlight was a memorable encounter at the Stussy store, where an employee complimented Hyeri’s visuals and even expressed personal interest.

Hyeri revealed that while browsing the Stussy store, an employee went beyond the usual customer service and called her “my type,” expressing admiration for her appearance. The interaction took a surprising turn when the employee handed Hyeri a memo, asking for her Instagram ID. This unexpected and flattering episode left Hyeri giddy and added a romantic flair to her shopping experience.

As Hyeri unpacked her purchases, she shared another amusing episode from a different store. While showcasing a hoodie from Acne Studios, one of her staff members inquired about the encounter at the previous store. Hyeri recounted that, instead of revealing her profession when asked by a shopkeeper, she playfully challenged them to guess. To her surprise, the shopkeeper correctly guessed that she was an idol.

Hyeri, feigning shock at the accurate guess, couldn’t help but be flattered by the shopkeeper’s recognition. Interestingly, the shopkeeper speculated that she belonged to the fourth-generation idol group aespa, suggesting that the “My Roommate is a Gumiho” star is a lot younger than she truly is. The humorous exchange highlighted the charm and approachability of the idol, who embraced the playful moments during her Tokyo shopping spree.

The Stussy and Acne Studios items featured in the haul reflected Hyeri’s distinct fashion sense, showcasing statement pieces from luxury brands. The video not only provided a glimpse into Hyeri’s stylish preferences but also entertained fans with the delightful stories that unfolded during her shopping adventure in Tokyo.

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SM Entertainment Launches 2024 Global Auditions

SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

Ever dreamed of being the next K-pop superstar? Well, here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for to be labelmates with SM Entertainment artists. 

In a 20-second video clip released on Tuesday, December 12, SM Entertainment has officially launched its 2024 Global Auditions. 

As per the details posted, anyone born from 2005 to 2013, regardless of gender or nationality, are welcome to apply. Notably, young aspirants will then be evaluated in the categories of vocal, dance, rap and acting.

Moreover, the auditions will kick off in Seoul on January 6, 2024. After that, there will also be auditions held across several cities in South Korea including Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gangwon, Wonju and Jeju Island. 

Bringing the auditions to a global scale, SM Entertainment will also reach various countries including Thailand, Japan, Canada, and USA. According to the schedule released, the international auditions will be held between February to March 2024. 

After the first round of online registration, applicants who passed the initial screening will be invited for an on-site audition. Then, the final winners will get the opportunity to get trained or sign an exclusive contract with the renowned agency.

In addition, the application period for the said talent search event will only be from January to March 2024. Aspirants can send their application and learn more about the opportunity through SM Entertainment’s global site.

More about SM Entertainment

Established by record producer Lee Soo Man in 1995, SM Entertainment has since become one of the biggest and most successful K-pop agencies in history. For those unfamiliar, they are home to powerhouse acts like TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, Girls Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and aespa. Moreover, the agency has built a reputation for their artists’ talents, particularly their exceptional vocals.

In September, the agency debuted their newest boy group RIIZE, who immediately gained popularity for their trendy tracks “Get a Guitar”, “Memories” and “Siren.” Aside from RIIZE, the agency also formed the final unit for NCT called NCT New Team. 

With the 2024 Global Auditions already on its way, K-pop fans have high expectations for the potential addition to the label. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

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These Are the K-Pop Songs That Made It to Rolling Stone’s ‘Best Songs of 2023’

NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season's Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

Several K-pop tracks have earned a place on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious list of “Best Songs of 2023,” underscoring the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene.

Of particular significance is NewJeans‘ exceptional achievement as the sole K-pop group featured in both the “Best Albums of 2023” and “Best Songs of 2023” categories by Rolling Stone. 

On December 1, the authoritative music media outlet unveiled its highly-anticipated list for “The 100 Best Songs of 2023.” For the first time, a total of nine K-pop releases were featured in the list. 

NewJeans‘ pre-released track and title song, “Super Shy,“ from their 2nd mini-album Get Up, secured an impressive 6th position. Notably this marked the highest-ranking K-pop song on the list. According to Rolling Stone, the particular track was a “breakthrough” for the girl group. “The song is one of the purest pop thrills of the year, with a dreamy melody,” they added. “In true K-pop fashion, the accompanying music video is just as captivating.” 

Prior to this ranking, NewJeans’ Get Up also secured the 33rd position in Rolling Stones “The 100 Best Album of 2023.” 

Other K-pop songs that made it to Rolling Stone’s list

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN‘s “Super” claimed the 47th position. The title track from their 10th mini-album FML is the second-highest among K-pop songs. In their list, Rolling Stone praised the group’s inspiration drawn from Chinese mythological creature Sun Wukong. As well as using this as a metaphor for their impressive growth in their eight-year journey. 

Next K-pop songs that made it to the list are TWICE’s pre-released English single “Moonlight Sunrise,” from their 12th mini-album Ready to Be, which secured the 55th spot. 

Meanwhile, V of BTS earned the 58th position with his pre-released track “Rainy Days” from his first solo album Layover. With this, Min Hee-jin, the producer of NewJeans and CEO of Ador, is the only Korean producer with two songs on the chart. To note, she also helped produce V’s solo debut album. 

Other K-pop songs on the list include BLACKPINK Jisoo’s solo debut song “Flower” at 67th spot and FIFTY FIFTY’s viral song “Cupid“ at the 75th spot. Also part of the roundup are XG at 77th with their title track “Left Right” from their third single Shooting Star. 

Placing 95 and 99, respectively, are aespa’s “Spicy” and BTS Jungkook’s “Seven” feat. Latto. 

How do you feel about this ranking? Should there be more K-pop songs included in the list? 

Featured image: NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

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aespa Joins The New York Times Music Critic’s “Best Songs Of 2023” List

It looks like aespa is truly set on taking over the world. The girl group just made it into The New York Times’ list of the “Best Songs of 2023”. They also happened to be the only K-pop act on the list!

aespa Joins The New York Times’ Prestigious ‘Best Songs of 2023’ List

aespa’s impact continues to resonate globally as the group earned a spot on The New York Times’ prestigious list of the “Best Songs of 2023.” Critic Jon Pareles acknowledged aespa’s single “Better Things” at No. 13 on the list, praising its distinctive elements.

The inclusion of aespa on The New York Times’ year-end list is a significant achievement, highlighting the group’s ability to captivate international audiences and garner recognition from esteemed critics. Being the only K-pop artist featured alongside renowned musicians like Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey, and Dolly Parton is a testament to aespa’s global influence.

The critic described “Better Things” as a “K-pop kiss-off” driven by cowbells, handclaps, and piano chords. He commended the song’s ingeniously cascading vocal harmonies and noted its overall upbeat and regret-free vibe. The minimalist up-tempo dance track, released in August, also features refreshing rhythmic percussion sounds and unique rhythm patterns, contributing to its distinctiveness.

The positive message embedded in the lyrics of “Better Things,” encouraging listeners to focus their time on more valuable pursuits, resonated with fans. The bright chords, melodic composition, and aespa’s rich vocals collectively contributed to the song’s popularity.

This recognition from The New York Times comes after aespa’s recent acknowledgment as one of the ’25 Most Influential Women of 2023′ by the British Financial Times. These accolades also underscore aespa’s impact not only in the realm of K-pop but also on the global music landscape.

aespa’s success extends beyond their musical achievements, encompassing their influence on pop culture, fashion, and overall cultural trends. As they continue to break new ground and receive acclaim from esteemed publications, aespa also solidifies their status as trailblazers in the K-pop industry with a lasting impact on the global music scene.

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aespa Selected as One of Financial Times’ Most Influential Women of 2023′

aespa’s remarkable influence and impact have led to their inclusion in the prestigious ‘Most Influential Women of 2023’ list curated by the esteemed ‘Financial Times’. The recognition places them in the company of exceptional women who have left an indelible mark across diverse fields in 2023. Notable figures on this list include the globally acclaimed singer and businesswoman Beyonce, acclaimed actor Margot Robbie, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelensky, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Hammadi.

Financial Times Chooses aespa as One of 2023’s Most Influential Women

aespa’s presence in this select group signifies not only their dominance in the music industry but also their role in shaping cultural and societal trends on a global scale. The acknowledgment by the ‘Financial Times’ underscores the group’s far-reaching impact, emphasizing the growing significance of K-pop on the international stage.

In a special tribute dedicated to these extraordinary women, influential figures from various industries have contributed writings that illuminate the significance and breadth of their contributions. For aespa, Yoojin Choi, co-curator of the “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, has authored an insightful piece that delves into the group’s cultural influence and achievements.

The ‘Financial Times’ stands as a reputable British daily newspaper, owned by the Japanese holding company Nikkei. Renowned for its comprehensive analysis, authoritative insights, and broad perspective on global economic and political affairs, the inclusion of aespa in their ‘Most Influential Women of 2023’ list highlights the group’s profound impact beyond the realm of music. This recognition serves as a testament to aespa’s growing stature and their ability to shape and influence trends across various domains, solidifying their position as key players in the global entertainment landscape.

aespa has notched another significant achievement with the release of their latest mini-album ‘Drama’. The official announcement from Hanteo Chart on November 17 revealed that the album has recorded an impressive sales figure, selling a total of 1,130,379 copies in its debut week (November 10 to 16).

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aespa’s Giselle Asks Dex for Update on Relationship With TWICE’s Sana

There is little doubt that people are wondering about DEX’s relationship with TWICE member Sana after their meeting in September. Luckily, aespa’s Giselle is just as curious as the rest of us and she managed to get an update from the “Single’s Inferno” star!

DEX Finally Opens Up About Rumored Relationship with TWICE Member Sana

Kim Jin Young, also known as DEX, has been in the spotlight for his candid revelations about TWICE’s Sana being his ideal type. Despite not finding love on the show, DEX has become a fan-favorite, and fans are eager to see if his celebrity crush, Sana, would reciprocate his feelings.

In a recent episode of DEX’s interview show “DEX’s Fridge Interview”, aespa’s Giselle asked him about his rumored relationship with TWICE’s Sana. The revelation came as a surprise when DEX admitted that he had not stayed in contact with Sana. He explained that, as a fan, he didn’t believe he would receive a reply even if he tried to reach out to her.

The revelation disappointed some fans who were hoping for a potential connection between the two celebrities. However, it showcased DEX’s humility and realistic approach to the situation, acknowledging the difference in status between a fan and a celebrity.

Later in the interview, Giselle was asked about her own ideal type, to which she hesitated before admitting that she shares the same ideal type as Sana. DEX, always ready to seize an opportunity for humor and flirtation, playfully claimed that he fits the criteria Giselle mentioned.

The playful banter between DEX and Giselle added a lighthearted touch to the interview, creating an entertaining and engaging atmosphere for viewers. While DEX may not have a romantic connection with Sana, his genuine and down-to-earth approach to the situation resonates with fans, endearing him to a wider audience.

The revelation about DEX’s lack of contact with Sana adds a layer of authenticity to his interactions, emphasizing the boundaries between a fan and a celebrity. As DEX continues to navigate his newfound fame and interactions with other celebrities, fans are sure to appreciate his honesty and relatable personality.

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