aespa Sparks Controversy With Unexpected Social Media Move Targeting NewJeans

aespa is facing backlash after Winter’s TikTok with ILLIT’s Iroha sparked a heated online debate.

The controversy began when Winter posted a TikTok video featuring Iroha from ILLIT. Both groups are promoting at the same time—aespa with their pre-release single “WDA” and ILLIT with “It’s Me.” Collaborating on TikTok challenges during overlapping promotions is common, but this one caught fans’ attention.

The issue? aespa’s close friendship with NewJeans. Fans quickly reacted because NewJeans and ILLIT are linked to a public feud between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and BeLift Lab. This rivalry has made the fandoms of NewJeans and ILLIT especially hostile toward each other.

As the situation unfolded, fans flooded social media with reactions, accusing aespa of betrayal.

“aespa is the most opportunist group I’ve ever seen. No convictions just saying what benefits them and going where the wind blows” — sheff (@marshmaIIowjin)

“They say Tokkis are feeling betrayed right now.” — Aespann_jeans (@a1071364)

“oh minji your best friend betrayed you how does it feel ” — slowfi (@ot2njs)

Whether aespa intended to stir controversy or not, their TikTok with ILLIT stirred strong emotions among fans. In the current tense climate between the groups, even a simple TikTok challenge can’t go unnoticed.