Aespa's double title track "Supernova" from their first full-length album is dominating the weekly and monthly charts on major Korean music sites Melon and Genie. Even a month after its release on May 27, it continues to attract significant attention. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The undisputed winner in the K-pop girl group market for the first half of this year is none other than aespa. Their first full-length album, "Armageddon," not only featured two successful title tracks but also achieved sales surpassing one million copies four times over, solidifying their position as the top girl group of this period.

Aespa released their first full-length album, "Armageddon," on June 27. This album, released four years after their debut, set multiple new records. The album sold 1.15 million copies in its first week, making it their fourth consecutive album to achieve this milestone.

The pre-released double title track "Supernova" maintained its position at the top of the Melon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks, marking the longest stay at number one for any song released this year.

The other double title track, "Armageddon," also showed strong performance. Amidst the immense popularity of "Supernova," "Armageddon" ranked high on major music charts, driving the group's great success.

Despite a slew of "comeback" releases from prominent artists, both "Armageddon" and "Supernova" have remained at the top of the charts, demonstrating the fervent response from the public. This outstanding achievement sets aespa apart among fourth-generation girl groups, solidifying their position as a top-tier group.

Aespa's success isn't limited to music and album charts. Their first full-length album has generated explosive interest and widespread popularity. "Supernova" and "Armageddon" have exploded on various platforms with dance challenges, and the addictive lyrics of "Supernova" have become hot topic, gaining immense popularity.

With the overwhelming response to their first full album, aespa has reached a new turning point in their musical career. While they have consistently enjoyed success with each release, "Supernova" and "Armageddon" have redefined aespa's repertoire.

This accomplishment goes beyond merely producing new hit songs. The most significant achievement is that aespa has firmly established their distinctive musical style in the public consciousness, solidifying their unique position in the industry.

K-pop girl group aespa / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Aespa finds its flavor

Many have praised the album, describing it as having a strong "metallic tone," which highlights aespa's distinctive musical identity. Leaving a strong impression not just through hit songs but through a unique musical flavor is a significant feat for any artist.

Since their debut, aespa has showcased a conceptual and intense musical style. Rather than following market trends, they have focused on developing their unique style, ultimately creating a new genre defined by aespa.

The group's agency SM Entertainment said in a statement, "As this is aespa's first full-length album, we aimed to showcase music and concepts that only aespa can deliver. From the planning stages, we expanded the multiverse concept to present an organic promotion strategy. By pre-releasing the double title track 'Supernova,' we increased accessibility for listeners, and with 'Armageddon,' we highlighted aespa's unique musical style, achieving both public appeal and a distinctive identity."

Aespa's achievements in the first half of this year mark them as the leading fourth-generation girl group, showcasing their distinctive musical style and solidifying their place in the K-pop industry.

The members of aespa also expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming attention and praise they continue to receive from fans. In an interview with this publication, the members expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support of their first full-length album, emphasizing the hard work they put into its preparation and their commitment to continue delivering even better performances.

They also hinted at the excitement of meeting their global fans during their second world tour, promising great performances at their upcoming shows.

They will continue their tour in July with performances in Fukuoka, Nagoya, Saitama, Singapore, and Osaka. In August, they will visit Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Sydney, followed by stops in Melbourne, Macau, and Bangkok in September, covering a total of 14 locations across Asia and Australia.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.