Aespa, 'bad news' that bites Lee Soo-man's tail

Group Espa is in a frustrating situation. Things outside of music are damaging the group’s image. Compared to other competing girl groups, their music career is also disappointing. In terms of influence and group activities, New Jeans and Ive seem to be one step ahead. Fans' voices of disappointment are growing louder.

Espa debuted in 2020. Just looking at the number of years, this is an idol group in their 4th year. Aespa is an eight-member girl group that has been highlighted as the next generation flagship group of its agency SM Entertainment.

The person who created Espa is Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment. Lee Soo-man has been building the ‘SM Worldview’ based on Espa. A total of four members, including Karina, Winter, Ningning, and Giselle, and AI members based on them belong to Espa.

A group that creates a wilderness background and writes the SM worldview narrative. Through the innovative attempt of becoming an AI member, the worldview was expanded, and to this day, it has established itself as the identity of SM artists.

From Sooman Lee’s perspective, Espa’s success is essential. This is because it is a group that will add meaning to the ‘SM worldview’ that they created, and is a medium that will determine the future musical paths of SM artists.

There is a two-headed carriage in Espa. Korean members Karina and Winter. In fact, looking at the number of YouTube fancam views, Karina and Winter's videos are ahead of the other two members. In particular, Karina is evaluated as a member who reveals Espa's identity. Winter is a member with strengths as a vocalist, earning the title ‘SM director Yoo Young-jin’s vocal daughter.’

The name Espa was also mentioned in the recent SM management dispute. On the 16th, SM co-CEO Lee Seong-soo made revelations related to Lee Soo-man. Espa was used in the 'Smart Music City' project that Sooman Lee is planning. Espa went to a festival at Lee Soo-man's alma mater, Gyeongbok High School, and suffered hardships such as being sexually harassed.

In addition, SM is focusing on ESG (corporate eco-friendly social responsibility) management, reflecting Lee Soo-man's will. As part of this, we are carrying out a ‘tree planting’ project. CEO Seongsu Lee claimed that he forced Aespa to include 'planting a tree' in the lyrics of his new album.

The current management, led by CEO Lee Seong-su, is engaged in a management rights dispute with founder Lee Soo-man. An artist who should be focusing on music has become the topic of SM's management dispute. Espada has been shaken by external issues at a time when active music activities are needed.

Espa is a group that was once a strong force in the K-pop girl group competition. Currently, we have not been able to release a proper album for about half a year.

Although it has been 4 years since their debut, they have not been able to freely express their own musicality. New Genes and Ive, who were already called competitors, are increasing their cultural influence by creating a syndrome or gaining recognition overseas. In order to solidify their position within K-pop, they must release musical results as soon as possible.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr