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aespa Faces Backlash Over Controversial Music Video Teaser Release

The members of aespa

aespa is facing backlash over their latest music video teaser, which sparked major outrage due to a controversial scene.

The group is gearing up for their comeback this month with their 2nd album LEMONADE. Alongside concept photos, aespa dropped a teaser for their title track “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” set to release on May 11, 2026.

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The controversy began when fans noticed that an AI-generated image of a child was used in the teaser. This sparked immediate disgust online, as many criticized SM Entertainment for using AI instead of hiring a real child actor.

The AI child appeared in distress and had more screen time than some of the members, which only fueled the backlash. Fans expressed concerns about the ethical implications of creating a child’s image with AI, especially in such a sensitive context.

Fans quickly reacted on Twitter with strong criticism:

as much as i am excited about aespa i am also disgusted at SM’s use of any generative ai at all but of a CHILD of all things is disgusting
— shinto ੯‧̀͡⬮ (@killingryejmj)

literally why does SM have to use a totally bs 1 sec ai clip to ruin the mvs ??
— 」 (@aeridactyll)

What was even the reason for that stupid genAI shot, I dont see any fucking purpose and to make things worse an AI shot of a CHILD, theres a place in hell deserved for the director who approved that thing instead of using a real actor or at least stock footage
— Shelly~ (@taejiurina)

something so fucked up about using ai to generate a clip of a child in distress.
— damian✮⋆˙ (@whackatron5000)

SM has unlimited budget for MVs and outfit designs but couldn’t afford to hire an actual child actress to film that part?
AI generating a child for a random scene that wasn’t even needed in the MV???
— JeanXx (@twice_mixx)

5 seconds in and there’s AI
— euphoria sundays (@jsobitch)

As the situation unfolded, the use of AI in K-pop content continues to be a hot-button issue, with fans demanding more transparency and ethical considerations from entertainment companies.

🔥 T R E N D I N G
Aespa’s Unexpected “Cheap” Presents Discarded in Large Numbers by Upset Fans

aespa’s comeback remains highly anticipated despite the controversy, with LEMONADE dropping on May 29, 2026. The group and SM Entertainment have yet to comment on the backlash surrounding the AI-generated child scene.

Watch the teaser here:

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