A recent post on the popular Korean forum Pann has ignited a fresh wave of debate in the K-pop world, questioning whether aespa’s success was influenced by the explosive rise of NewJeans.
Titled “Do You Agree That aespa Benefited From NewJeans’ Popularity?,” the post has already racked up over 19,000 views, sparking heated responses across fandoms.
The original poster (OP) kept it short but provocative, prompting netizens to respond with either “yes” or “no.” They personally disagreed with the claim, writing: “Even without NewJeans, aespa would have secured a place among the top-tier girl groups.”
Despite the seemingly supportive stance, the post opened the floodgates for comparative commentary between the two groups—both considered leaders of K-pop’s 4th generation. Some fans defended aespa‘s unique trajectory, citing their early success with hits like Next Level, Savage, and Spicy, along with their distinct metaverse concept and vocal performance skills. Others questioned whether the buzz around NewJeans helped reshape public interest in girl groups, thus indirectly benefiting their peers, including aespa.
Comments on Pann:
- “aespa rose to fame because they deserved it, period. If they were only doing well thanks to NewJeans, then wouldn’t the other HYBE idols—who said they were unfairly overlooked after NewJeans’ decline—be top-tier like aespa too? lol. But looking at their chart performance, they’re nowhere near aespa’s level, right? aespa made it because they had what it takes.”
- “If aespa really ‘won the lottery’ thanks to NewJeans, then why haven’t HYBE idols blown up like aespa now that NewJeans has flopped?”
- “Just look at how Bang Si-hyuk always seemed to want to crush aespa. It’s clear they were always seen as a threat by Bang and his crew from Hapcheon. Not that they ever succeeded.”
- “aespa has always been top-tier. Then and now. The Hapcheon crew never managed to bring them down.”
- “Since their debut, aespa has never not been in the top-tier.”
As both groups continue charting their own paths, the conversation reveals how deeply competitive narratives still shape online discourse, and how success in K-pop often becomes a public tug-of-war over perception, not just talent.
