aespa returns with “Dirty Work” and a bold new chapter
Leaving nothing to chance and going all out, K-pop group aespa is back in the spotlight with their latest single, “Dirty Work,” a bold, no-nonsense track that aims to match and surpass their previous successes.
Driven by infectious, danceable synth-pop, the song arrives with a visually striking, high-budget music video. Cinematic in scope and packed with creativity, the video stands as a production worth analyzing and applauding on its own merits.
The audiovisual piece impresses with its sheer scale, featuring 225 extras dancing and getting dirty alongside the group. The four members of aespa shine as the undeniable stars, weaving through smart transitions, sharp choreography, and clever camera work that come together in an industrial setting.
Taking things a step further, “Dirty Work” is available in four versions: English, Korean, instrumental, and a remix featuring American rapper Flo Milli. Anticipation was high even before release day. Over a million pre-orders were placed by fans, K-pop lovers, and dedicated listeners worldwide.
Beyond digital platforms, the single also has a physical release that includes the main and instrumental versions, as well as a limited edition called “Dirty Work (Dirty Crew Ring Ver.),” a nod to their official fanbase, MY.
Since their 2020 debut with “Black Mamba,” the fastest debut music video by a K-pop group to hit 100 million views on YouTube, aespa has carved a unique path through strong releases and a distinctive aesthetic, setting themselves apart from others in the fast-moving K-pop scene.
Their discography includes several smash-hit EPs like “Girls,” “MY WORLD,” and “Drama,” all of which boast million-level sales. Their first full-length album, “Armageddon,” released in 2024, further cemented their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups.
Throughout their career, aespa has earned major recognition: they were named Next Generation Leaders by TIME and included in the Financial Times list of 25 Most Influential Women of 2023. They’ve also made history on stage: in 2023, they became the first K-pop group to perform at both The Governors Ball and Outside Lands, and in 2025, they broke new ground again by headlining the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, the first Korean girl group to do so.
Despite a relatively quiet spell, “Dirty Work” makes it clear: aespa is evolving, pushing boundaries, and reinventing themselves without losing their core essence, continuing to break down barriers in one of the most competitive genres in the world.
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