Top Girl Group Sparks Controversy for Allegedly Paying Homage to NewJeans in New Music Video
aespa is facing buzz and mixed reactions after fans spotted possible references to NewJeans in their new “LEMONADE” music video.
The controversy began when aespa dropped the full MV for “LEMONADE” on May 29 (KST). Fans quickly noticed two dance moves that closely resemble choreography from NewJeans’ hits “Attention” and “Ditto.” Both moves appear right as aespa sings the line “I got no ETA,” which fans say is a clear nod to NewJeans’ popular track “ETA.”
Fans flooded social media with clips comparing the choreography, sparking excitement and emotional responses.
“dittonade – aejeans” — @haeyinyian
“AND THE ATTENTION MOVE TOO THEYRE TOKKIS DOWNN” — @newbreedoyousee
“AM SEEING A NJZ REFERENCE WITH THE CHOREO HERE WHEN THEY SAY I GOT NO ETA ?? OMG” — @ning2pics
As the clips spread, many NewJeans fans expressed gratitude toward aespa for showing support amid NewJeans’ recent struggles.
“i’ll forever be thankful to aespa for being one of the few groups to support newjeans in an industry who immediately dropped them at their first controversy” — @jeansgratis
“this is very dear to me …” — @L0VELlNE
“entire industry trying to forget newjeans existence while the biggest kpop group rn is referencing them. aespa has always been a real one ” — @synkbone
However, some fans criticized the move, pointing out that if a fellow HYBE girl group like ILLIT had done the same choreography, they would have been accused of plagiarism. NewJeans supporters pushed back, emphasizing the distinct musical styles of aespa and NewJeans and rejecting plagiarism claims.
“thats the exact same move illit got crucified for and called copycats over, but now that aespa did it, everyone’s calling it ‘crumbs support reference and sisterhood’ ?? you guys are such hypocrites i’m sick” — @ayeongynh
“If it were Illit y’all would’ve burned them alive by now” — @Silvqi
“If illit did ts they would get death threats” — @tysatoo
“Well because aespa and newjeans have 2 very different concepts ” — @seviology
“so it’s okay when aespa does it? YES aespa didn’t take their 7 year plan and spend the last 2 years plagerizing newjeans whole brand” — @tokkimys
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in K-pop fandoms about originality and support between groups. For now, aespa’s “LEMONADE” continues to gain attention not only for its choreography but also for the unexpected shoutout to NewJeans.
I do like that Aespa did some choreography from New Jeans ‘ditto’ and ‘attention’, the thing is if it was ILLIT you guys would be sending d*ath threats! People are saying it’s okay because aespa has a different concept from New Jeans, so as ILLIT they have a dreamy concept but people said they are wanna be’s!