aespa faces plagiarism accusations over new comeback concept photos
aespa’s latest single album, Dirty Work, has sparked plagiarism claims online.
SM Entertainment dropped quirky, chaotic concept photos for the comeback, but a viral post on Nate Pann accused aespa of copying visuals from rookie girl group KiiiKiii, managed by Starship Entertainment.
The side-by-side comparisons detailed by the OP highlighted similarities not only in photo angles but in overall style—prompting buzz online.
However, netizens quickly defended aespa, dismissing the accusations as forced and vague.
“I don’t know what to say because they’re so dissimilar.”
“aespa already did those color schemes during ‘Spicy.’ They seem to have used flash photography under the sun. That’s what aespa did back during ‘Spicy.’”
“What even is similar here?”
“It seems like only the level of exposure is similar… are you making a fuss about that too?”
“It does look like a reference.”
Starship Entertainment has not commented on the situation. The debate continues to gain traction online as fans stand firmly behind aespa.
