ILLIT Iroha’s Rendition Of Aespa’s “Rich Man” Sparks Intense Discussion Over Subpar Performance
aespa is facing backlash again—this time because of a dance cover controversy sparked by ILLIT’s Iroha. The drama started after aespa’s recent Good Morning America performance got slammed for looking like a “mess.” Many blamed the choreography, camera work, and lack of backing dancers.
But things took a turn when Iroha from ILLIT did a live broadcast covering several iconic dances. One highlight: aespa’s “Rich Man.” Iroha danced it solo in a studio—no lights, no backing dancers—and nailed it powerfully.
Here’s the list of songs Iroha covered during her September 25 live:
Songs that #IROHA covered on LIVE today:
CORTIS “GO!”
NCT WISH “Color”
CORTIS “FaSHioN”
BTS “Butter”
ME:I “Click”
BTS JungKook “Seven”
CRUSH “Click Like”
BTS “Run BTS”
aespa “Rich Man”
JENNIE “like JENNIE”
— Zack (@sakaiscat) September 25, 2025
The cover of “Rich Man” blew up online and fans started debating hard.
Many netizens said the problem was never the choreography. If Iroha can kill it alone in a studio, why can’t aespa pull it off live without backup dancers, fancy lighting, or altered choreography?
“so the problem isn’t the choreography..”
— rim ✦ (@bratzlibra) September 25, 2025
“The conclusion is that there was nothing wrong with the choreography.”
— Aespann_jeans (@a1071364) September 26, 2025
“.@aespa_official take notes”
— lulu ୨ৎ (@minjupiie) September 25, 2025
Others pointed out aespa lip-syncs anyway, so not singing live shouldn’t be an excuse.
“Iroha be like : This is how you do it (WITHOUT ANY BACKUP DANCERS AND CAMERA WORK) and mys will point out ‘Iroha is not singing’ did aespa sing? ohh just lip sync.”
— ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ (@notsokindforu) September 25, 2025
The heat on aespa is growing. Many claim the members just “can’t dance” despite all the production help.
“see the prblm was never the choreo it was the girls who cant dance”
— JYP ENTERTAINMENT (@ryujisuengmin) September 25, 2025
aespa’s camp hasn’t officially responded yet.
Check out the original Good Morning America critique that kicked this off:
aespa later posted an “improved” live performance in the US that got better reviews. The dance debate rages on. Is it bad choreography? Or bad performance? Fans are watching closely.