aespa is facing backlash over their new “BURST” teaser looks for “Rich Man.”
While international fans praised the daring outfits and bold poses, Korean netizens slammed the group’s revealing shorts and tops. The teaser dropped today, showing aespa on cars and motorcycles, sparking a strong negative reaction on Korean community site TheQoo.
Critics called the outfits “too exposed,” accusing SM Entertainment of shifting focus to male fans instead of the group’s core audience. Some labeled the concept as outdated, comparing it to early 2000s pop stars and saying it plays into a “male fantasy” without sophistication or subtlety.
Several comments read:
“The outfits and poses are just a bit…”
“This is a concept guys would go crazy for. The target audience is clear.”
“It feels like a male fantasy? Like it was filmed through the male gaze.”
Others called the concept “too ugly,” questioning how it fits the “Rich Man” theme.
“Didn’t they say ‘rich man?’ What kind of rich man walks around wearing nothing but underwear? What’s with girl groups’ revealing outfits these days, seriously? ㅠㅠ”
Many noted the teaser’s sharp contrast to the on-stage concert outfits revealed earlier this week, with one netizen commenting:
“They dressed them so well for the concert outfits, why pull this kind of crap?”
Debate is heating up with some insisting the backlash is overblown, arguing there’s nothing unusual about the teaser’s style.
aespa fans abroad remain largely impressed by the teaser and song.
The controversy continues to swell online as the comeback draws closer. SM Entertainment has not released an official statement on the criticism.
