Girl groups NewJeans and aespa showed their closeness by participating in each other’s dance challenges
On June 8th, both NewJeans and aespa’s YouTube channels featured videos of the groups taking on each other’s dance challenges. First, NewJeans’ channel posted a video of Hanni and Danielle from NewJeans dancing with Winter and Ningning from aespa to NewJeans’ song “How Sweet”. In the video, the four are seen dancing at the HYBE building. Hanni and Danielle wore comfortable and casual outfits matching the “How Sweet” concept, while Winter and Ningning sported hip outfits with dark-colored tops and bottoms. The contrast in fashion between NewJeans’ casual and aespa’s hip styles drew attention.
Next, on aespa’s channel, a video showed Karina and Giselle from aespa, along with Minji and Haerin from NewJeans, participating in aespa’s “Armageddon” challenge. The video, filmed at the SM Entertainment building, showed the four dancing to “Armageddon” wearing gray, hip and girl-crush-themed outfits that matched aespa’s concept. The challenge was perfectly coordinated with the four girls, making it look like a genuine aespa performance.
Despite the short choreography, both challenges displayed coordinated moves and detailed steps, enhancing the video quality. They also ended with cute ending poses, adding a charming touch.
Netizens reacted positively, praising the collaboration: “These amazing K-pop girls are supporting each other instead of stepping on each other”, “I’m so glad NewJeans and aespa have become friends, putting an end to all controversies”, “The two groups blend so well together” and “It’s heartwarming to see them support each other’s challenges.”
This collaboration drew more attention due to the controversy from April when a message from HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si-hyuk to ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin was revealed during a press conference. Chairman Bang Si-hyuk asked CEO Min Hee-jin, “Can you step on aespa?“
aespa addressed the controversy during their “Armageddon” release showcase. Leader Karina stated, “We are aware of the issue, but there’s nothing to worry about. We get along well as good colleagues.” Winter added, “Rather than thinking deeply about it, we accepted it as a sign that our first full album would do well.”
Both NewJeans and aespa are currently active as leading 4th-generation girl groups, following their recent comebacks.
