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| ▲ K-pop girl group aespa is seen in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- Aespa's pre-release track Supernova from their first full-length album, released in May, has solidified its place as the year's biggest hit.
The song has broken records by maintaining the top spot on Melon's weekly chart for 15 consecutive weeks, surpassing NewJeans' Ditto to set the longest-ever reign at No. 1 on the chart.
Industry insiders attribute Supernova's success to its initially unfamiliar yet increasingly addictive appeal. Despite its somewhat unconventional sound, listeners have found themselves drawn to it more with each listen. Released on May 13, the song's 15-week streak on Melon's weekly chart has set a new record, and it's poised to rank high on the platform's annual chart as well.
The track's heavy kicks and bassline, combined with its minimalistic yet striking sound, have captivated audiences. Lyrically, the song metaphorically expresses inner explosions through the concept of a supernova. According to an A&R representative from SM Entertainment's One Production, Supernova succeeds by maintaining aespa's signature powerful sound while offering a more accessible arrangement. "The song may sound unfamiliar at first, but its catchy lyrics hook listeners quickly," the representative explained.
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| ▲ A teaser image of K-pop girl group aespa's latest single |
The lyrics of Supernova are filled with unconventional expressions like "primeval," "hyperstella," and "body bang," reflecting aespa's unique identity and futuristic worldview. These creative choices add depth to both the song and its music video, which visually enhances the group's forward-thinking concept. Lyrics like "The event approaches, Ah Oh Eh / Growing fiercely, Ah Oh Eh / The questions continue, Ah Oh Eh" offer a compelling experience, while the philosophical query "Where do we come from?" and the repetitive hook "Su-su-su Supernova" have become popular memes, spreading virally online.
SM Entertainment also made several tweaks to the track before its final release, shortening the dance break for a more dynamic flow and refining the overall sound. The company strengthened the drum and bass elements to give the song more weight, working closely with composers through nine rounds of revisions to craft the perfect version.
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| ▲ K-pop girl group aespa is seen in this file photo taken May 27, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Music critic Lim Hee-yoon praised Supernova for its use of semitone harmonics and offbeat 16th-note rhythms, creating an unorthodox yet deeply addictive structure. "It offers an unstable but highly compelling experience, breaking away from conventional tonal progressions," Lim remarked. Additionally, the song's philosophical lyrics mark a significant departure from typical K-pop themes of love, heartbreak, or self-empowerment, making Supernova's success all the more surprising.
Fellow critic Kim Do-heon highlighted the track's alignment with aespa's cosmic, futuristic concept, noting, "The song's unfamiliar structure and viral choreography became key points of rapid spread, and the sheer 'shock' of the track contributed to its widespread appeal."
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