aespa is facing backlash over the steep price of their upcoming album.
The girl group is set to drop their single album Dirty Work on June 27. It will come in three physical versions: Dirty Case, Dirty Worker, and Dirty Code. On June 20 KST, they announced a limited edition “ring version,” which includes a silver ring and steel chain necklace — but no physical CD.
The controversy started when netizens spotted the ring version’s price: ₩163,000 KRW (around $119 USD) after a 19% discount from the original ₩202,000 KRW (about $147 USD). Regular versions usually cost between ₩15,100 KRW ($11) and ₩31,900 KRW ($23.20).
The price spiked heated reactions on Instiz. Some called it “Expensive as f*ck,” while others admitted the product looked tempting.
“Still, I think it will be sold out.”
“I do kinda want it though.”
“Although it contains the ring, wouldn’t it be around ₩30,000 KRW (about $21.80 USD) to ₩50,000 KRW (about $36.40 USD)? Even after adding the price of the album, it’s too expensive.”
Fans also expressed frustration at SM Entertainment’s pricing under aespa’s posts.
The expensive collectible album is drawing attention well before aespa’s comeback. The fandom and public will be watching how sales respond to the high cost.
