Aespa Faces Harsh Criticism for “Mess” Performance on “Good Morning America”

aespa is facing backlash after their recent US TV performance.

On September 12, aespa performed “Rich Man” on Good Morning America. The performance quickly sparked major criticism online.

Fans and netizens said the group looked awkward and uncomfortable. Many pointed out off-sync choreography, lack of stage presence, and poor camera work. Some said the whole thing felt like a low-budget school presentation.

Here’s the official concept photo from SM Entertainment:

Watch clips of the “Rich Man” performance below:

The performance clip shared on Twitter quickly gained negative reactions:

aespa’s full performance of “Rich Man” at Good Morning America pic.twitter.com/9xyqM3Q5cW

— 싱크 로그 (@synklog) September 12, 2025

Fans slammed everything from the song to the choreography:

didn‘t understand a single english lyric, cringy ass raps, simple ass moves yet still no synchronization, instrumental even louder than the backtrack, no facial expressions and a mid ass song… kpop will never be taken seriously in the US i fear
— minaj (@vavawonyoung)

So discordinaded, without backup dancers you can see the real choreography, what a mess. SM, what is this choreography?
— Kiwi • Twice Ot9 stan (@MarrymeJisooKim)

I will say it. This performance is a disappointment. If SM is that desperate for aespa to skyrocket in the US sacrificing their Korean promotions, they should’ve spend more for the production of this performance. @SMTOWNGLOBAL is a piece of shit as always. Just…fuck!
— Æ GIRLS SUPREMACY (@aegirlsupremacy)

Ijbol… it looks like a school presentation
— I-DLE – PIT STOP (@espiraculonaran)

this made me feel so uncomfy the whole time… kinda like when you were 5 years old and made your family watch you do a dance you made up. smile and nod type of awkward
— cb (@runitdash)

More critiques targeted the lack of backup dancers and odd camerawork:

this camerawork is awful omfg why were they showing the other girls standing around during the bridge?;??/:?;
— rob ୨୧ (@viselix)

that camera work is awful wtf
— Kay (@boompantoufle)

No backup dancers that’s why you can clearly see how awkward it is. I can’t unsee
— 雪姫 (@mjeonglaforteza)

Even the lip-syncing was a target:

this song requires no vocal talent whatsoever yet they still choose to lip sync and look a hot mess
— 𝐲𝐮𝐡 (@sxpermodeI)

The backlash is loud. Fans are calling for better production and choreography for future US stages.

The controversy began the moment the performance clips went viral. As of now, SM Entertainment has not publicly responded.

More updates as the situation develops.