aespa Ignites Dirty Work with Molten Energy and Steel Force

aespa returns with Dirty Work, a bold hip-hop track filled with molten heat and relentless steel force. The group’s new sound merges alternative hip-hop with vivid choreography and steel-plant visuals. Partnerships with Apple and Hyundai Steel emphasize aespa’s evolving identity and global ambition.

aespa Continues Its Rise with the Release of Dirty Work

Following a streak of hits like “Supernova,” “Armageddon,” and “Whiplash,” aespa has firmly established itself as a major award contender. On June 27 at 1 p.m., the group returns with a new single, “Dirty Work,” marking their first release in about eight months. According to SM Entertainment, the track carries the energy of a blast furnace, with a metallic sound more intense and immersive than anything they’ve shown before.

Dirty Work Delivers a Bold and Melting Impact

“Dirty Work” blends a synth-heavy bass with aespa’s cool, relaxed vocal tone to create a dynamic hip-hop dance track. A performance video teaser released on June 9 immediately rose to No. 1 on YouTube’s Trending Music chart. Fans reacted with phrases like “the sound of molten metal,” “steel-melting beat,” and “aespa the blacksmith,” amplifying anticipation long before the official release. As of June 26, the video was nearing 20 million views, reflecting its explosive pre-release reception.

aespa Explores New Territory Through Dirty Work

While aespa previously released hip-hop-influenced dance songs like “Next Level” and “Armageddon,” “Dirty Work” marks their boldest sonic departure to date. The group preserved its signature texture while venturing into alternative hip-hop, a genre that blends rap, jazz, and electronic elements. Unlike conventional boom bap or trap, this style embraces experimentation. The lyrics also carry distinctive themes of strength and independence, such as “sharp teeth / bite first” and “cold eyes / cold stare.” These lines evoke the fierce presence of a lion and the commanding silence of a predator.

Dirty Work Breaks aespa Away from Familiar Sounds

Much of “Dirty Work” is written in English, distinguishing it further from aespa’s previous tracks. Instead of working with longtime collaborator KENZIE, the group enlisted international producers to craft this new sound. The result is a track that feels fresh, ambitious, and intentionally global. This shift suggests aespa’s openness to reshaping their musical identity with each comeback.

The Choreography of Dirty Work Highlights aespa’s Physical Core

aespa has consistently delivered iconic performances that match the energy of their music. In “Whiplash,” they mimicked whiplash by grabbing their necks, echoing the song’s concept. In “Dirty Work,” the choreography emphasizes the waist, symbolizing core strength and balance. Costumes, camera angles, and motion all draw attention to this area. Far from a typical sexy concept, this visual focus reflects the burdens of strength and responsibility, reinforcing the track’s title in both sound and image.

A Renowned Team Elevates aespa’s Performance

Japanese choreographer Renan, who created the full choreography for “Armageddon” and the main routine for “Whiplash,” returned to shape “Dirty Work.” He was joined by top talents including Song Hee-soo, We Dem Boyz, Rihey, Lee Bada, and Latrice—all widely known for their work on Mnet’s “Street Woman Fighter” and “Street Girls Fighter.” This powerhouse team added layers of energy, precision, and originality to the performance.

Dirty Work Performance Video Features Cinematic Technology and Global Vision

aespa collaborated with Apple for the “Dirty Work” performance video, filmed entirely using the iPhone 16 Pro. As part of Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign, the video featured 4K120 slow motion during key sections to heighten visual drama. The approach mirrors NewJeans’ “ETA” video, which was also captured on iPhone and went viral for its innovation. This partnership once again affirms aespa’s reputation as pioneers in visual storytelling.

aespa Brings Dirty Work to Life in a Steel Factory Setting

The official music video teaser for “Dirty Work,” released a day before the comeback, was filmed at Hyundai Steel’s Dangjin plant. In it, aespa transforms into a resistance force ready to take on any dirty job for their comrades. To portray this message of unity and resolve, 225 extras, massive steel equipment, and a sprawling industrial yard were used. SM Entertainment emphasized that the real factory setting helps deliver the most authentic “metallic impact” the group has ever shown.

Reactions to Dirty Work Signal aespa’s Evolution

After the music video dropped, online responses praised aespa’s edgy, crystalline vocals and striking makeup concept. Viewers called the video both powerful and mesmerizing. Many highlighted that while other girl groups usually opt for light, refreshing concepts in summer, aespa turned up the heat instead. They delivered a blistering sound that felt capable of melting steel. Fans agreed that the video fulfilled every expectation—with flawless synergy between the song, choreography, and performance.

Bonus Paragraph: Global Strategy and Speculation

On Korean community forum MLBPARK, some speculated that aespa may be aiming for the U.S. market with “Dirty Work.” The release time—Friday at 1 p.m.—aligns with global drop schedules rather than Korea’s typical Monday 6 p.m. timing. The song’s heavier hip-hop tone and multiple released versions further support this analysis. However, some caution remains, as SM currently lacks a strong fandom base in the U.S., suggesting that penetrating the market may prove difficult.

aespa Transforms Hyundai Steel Plant into Music Video Stage

aespa chose Hyundai Steel’s factory as the setting for their visually intense “Dirty Work” music video. The project blends industrial realism with performance art, gaining strong fan support despite lingering online criticism.

Here’s a link to MLBPARK.

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