Is SM winding down aespa, just like it winded down other acts?

    Do you think SM is failing aespa, like other acts? 17

    1. Yes (6) 35%
    2. No (11) 65%

    SM is notorious for winding down acts it judged to be not in its plan.


    SM failed a lot of acts, including SNSD, f(x), Shinee, and various other acts.


    The farcial way this aespa comeback was handled showed that SM is not wedded to aespa, and is willing to throw it under the bus if necessary.


    aespa is Lee Sooman's product, and those who run SM would rather erase all trace of Sooman.


    During the height of the New Jeans crisis, some people compared it to aespa refusing to promote until LSM returns as the owner. And, in retrospect, that argument does have a merit, since aespa now would be similar to how New Jeans would have fared if it continued to stay in Hybe.


    aespa being winded down is a bit tragic, since it was finally about to take over Kpop, but guess SM's management has decided erasing LSM's legacy was more important than promoting aespa further.

    I don’t consider dirty work to be aespa’s comeback. I think it’s just a one-off single pushed by their US label since the lyrics are mostly in English compared to their usual comebacks.

  • AllKill VIP
    Quote from msmelon

    I don’t consider dirty work to be aespa’s comeback. I think it’s just a one-off single pushed by their US label since the lyrics are mostly in English compared to their usual comebacks.

    actually dirty work was supposed tobe a bside in Whiplash EP but it didn’t make it at the end

    And their label was pushing aespa to comeback with a different song, and it’s aespa who took out dirty work of whiplash EP and push for the song to be their comeback song

    SM didn't suddenly lose faith in Aespa, it's the opposite, overconfidence in Aespa's ability to be a viral sensation given their recent success streak gave SM a false idea that they could release a subpar song for the sake of targeting the West and Aespa being Aespa would make it acclaimed


    This often happens with companies when their artists blow up, and it fails every time because it's lazy and runs on the delusional belief that you can increase your artists' popularity whilst betraying the reason they became popular in the first place (quality music in Aespa's case)

    Groups are usually pushed for five years before they start focusing on their solo careers. Aespa debuted in 2020 so we'll probably see H2H start getting pushed next year.

    Quote from SooYoung

    actually dirty work was supposed tobe a bside in Whiplash EP but it didn’t make it at the end

    And their label was pushing aespa to comeback with a different song, and it’s aespa who took out dirty work of whiplash EP and push for the song to be their comeback song

    Sounds like SM should have been the one choosing the song this time lol seeing Dirty Work not really well received by fans and casuals compared to songs like Armageddon, Supernova, etc

    Quote from msmelon

    Sounds like SM should have been the one choosing the song this time lol seeing Dirty Work not really well received by fans and casuals compared to songs like Armageddon, Supernova, etc

    This kinda true. I believe fans and people Want more singing instead of rap/talk.


    It is a lukewarm song, but the support still there. The initial result is ok maybe good but i dont think dirty work will have much longevity compare to their previous releases.


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    I think Dirty Work is awesome - I had no idea it would be as divisive as it is. ;(


    I do understand what the OP is talking about. SM usually starts buying "cheap" songs for a group once they are past their peak (or it seems that way as the musical quality always decreases). But I don't think Aespa are there yet. I think they are still at the top of their game, even if they are losing out to ADP right now - that seems more like a surprise than the writing being on the wall.

    Quote from Bottles

    I think Dirty Work is awesome - I had no idea it would be as divisive as it is. ;(


    I do understand what the OP is talking about. SM usually starts buying "cheap" songs for a group once they are past their peak (or it seems that way as the musical quality always decreases). But I don't think Aespa are there yet. I think they are still at the top of their game, even if they are losing out to ADP right now - that seems more like a surprise than the writing being on the wall.

    SM is notorious for discarding its groups, even top acts, even when LSM was there.


    And the new management would rather see an act they launched to reach the top, and when they see aespa they see LSM.

    So no mention of Hot 100, something which eluded all SM acts

    Quote from WhyKnock

    So no mention of Hot 100, something which eluded all SM acts

    it's not official yet but...


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    Quote from KangK

    This kinda true. I believe fans and people Want more singing instead of rap/talk.


    It is a lukewarm song, but the support still there. The initial result is ok maybe good but i dont think dirty work will have much longevity compare to their previous releases.

    did talkofthecharts completely miss with their predictions? dirty work isn't even in the bubbling under charts?

  • AllKill VIP

    You seem to forget idols are human beings with lives. “SM winding down groups” to you is actually them giving their artists a break.


    If SM continued to work them, people would complain about the company overworking idols.


    Be realistic.

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