#aespaNextLevel
Overview
#aespaNextLevel celebrated aespa’s breakthrough single “Next Level” (May 2021), a reimagined version of the song from Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw soundtrack. The track’s unconventional structure and aespa’s unique AI concept (virtual members ae-Karina, ae-Giselle, ae-Winter, ae-Ningning) redefined fourth-generation K-pop.
Chart Success
“Next Level” achieved perfect all-kills on Korean charts and became one of 2021’s biggest K-pop hits, remaining in the top 10 for months. The song earned Song of the Year at multiple award shows and introduced aespa’s metaverse-based KWANGYA universe to mainstream audiences.
Polarizing Production
The song’s abrupt structure changes (from rap to hyperpop to house) divided listeners but ultimately became its signature. Producer Yoo Young-jin’s experimental approach challenged conventional K-pop song structure and sparked debates about artistic innovation versus commercial appeal.
The hashtag surged during:
- Single release (May 17, 2021)
- Music show wins (13 total)
- Coachella debut announcement (2022)
- 100M+ YouTube views milestones (2 weeks)
- Year-end award shows (2021)
Fourth Gen Innovation
aespa’s success with “Next Level” proved fourth-generation groups could take creative risks with experimental sounds and complex concepts. The song’s combination of SM Entertainment’s production quality and unconventional structure influenced subsequent K-pop releases.