aespa is facing mixed reactions after SM Entertainment dropped a totally new version of their official lightstick. Fans expected a simple update, but instead got a design that many say looks like a pretzel.
This fresh look ditches the usual dome shape fans knew, swapping it for a twisty structure that had fans scratching their heads. Some called it the “aespa lightstick pretzel” or “pretzelbong” on social media.
Soon after, fans pointed out the shape cleverly combines the letters “a” and “e”—a nod to aespa’s stylized name “æ.” That explanation softened some criticism but didn’t end the debate.
The response is still split. Some fans find the design too strange and off-brand. Others praise its creativity and say it fits aespa’s bold, unique image.
Fan via X:
“When I saw the flower petal–shaped thumbnail: ‘Ooh…’
After watching the whole thing: ‘Ugh…’”
deyan. on Twitter:
“This is the first time a ver2 of a lightstick changed entirely??? this one is way better than v1 and more aespa imo”
윈터얼트 on Twitter:
“the real mys understand the lightstick’s new design so non mys keep your unwanted opinions to yourself”
The lightstick drop comes just before aespa’s third world tour, AExis Line, kicking off with three concerts in Seoul on August 29-31. They’re set to preview new stages ahead of their mini album Rich Man, releasing September 5.
Whether fans love or hate it, the new aespa lightstick is already grabbing attention—just like the group itself.
