aespa achieved global acclaim when TIMA in Macau honored them with three of the night’s most prestigious awards. Their live stages, featuring “Dirty Work” and “Supernova,” displayed polished vocals and commanding presence. The event also celebrated RIIZE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, STAYC, 82MAJOR, Hearts2Hearts, and highlighted SMTR25 as a rising team.
aespa Wins Key Honors at TIMA Macau
At the 2025 TIMA in Macau, aespa earned three of the night’s most coveted awards. They won International Group of the Year, International Digital Album of the Year, and International Digital EP of the Year. These victories showed aespa’s rising influence in global music and affirmed their status as a leader in K-pop. Many industry watchers agreed that their strong results in both sales and recognition reflected long-term momentum rather than a single-year success.
TIMA Stage Showcases aespa as Global Performers
aespa also drew attention with commanding live performances. They presented “Dirty Work,” “Whiplash,” and “Supernova” with striking visuals and sharp choreography. The set continued with “Flights, Not Feelings” and “Thirsty,” blending creativity with powerful vocals. Fans in the Macau Galaxy Arena described the stages as thrilling moments that highlighted aespa’s artistic identity. The performance confirmed why aespa stands as a model for live presentation in the current K-pop scene.
Macau Ceremony Highlights Diverse K-pop Achievements
The TIMA ceremony also honored many other Korean groups. RIIZE captured Breakthrough International Group of the Year, while NCT WISH received Rising International Group of the Year. ILLIT secured International Popular Song of the Year with “Magnetic.” Performances were equally dynamic. RIIZE delivered “Fly Up,” “Boom Boom Bass,” “Get A Guitar,” “Love 119,” “Bag Bad Back,” and “Monster.” NCT WISH entertained with refreshing stages of “Surf” and “poppop.” ILLIT impressed with “Magnetic” and “Borrowed Cat,” strengthening their local fanbase. Hearts2Hearts surprised the crowd with “The Chase,” “STYLE,” and a cover of Girls’ Generation’s “Gee.” STAYC energized the arena with “Bubble,” “ASAP,” and “Teddy Bear,” while 82MAJOR powered through “What You Looking At,” “Heroes,” and “Tongue.”
SMTR25 Performance Sparks Anticipation Among Fans
The event also brought unexpected attention to SM trainees performing as SMTR25. On Korean community theqoo, many fans commented on the unusual sight of non-debuted trainees appearing at such a global stage. Observers noted this opportunity came from SM’s strong brand presence in Asia. Theqoo members praised SMTR25’s energy and expressed hopes for a quick official debut. Their stage suggested that even pre-debut groups could capture excitement at one of the region’s largest award shows.
aespa earned three top honors at TIMA Macau, including International Group of the Year, and delivered standout performances that confirmed their global influence.
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aespa’s four members are all beautiful, but Karina’s presence is just next level.