SM Entertainment Faces Accusations of Stealing aespa’s Concept Visuals From Rejected Job Applicant
aespa is facing backlash after an individual accused SM Entertainment of stealing their original visual concepts for aespa’s LEMONADE.
The controversy began when a post appeared on an online community on May 9, KST. The original poster (OP) claimed they had submitted a visual concept proposal to SM’s visual planning team before aespa’s MY WORLD album release. Although the OP was rejected at the interview stage, they say SM later used strikingly similar ideas for LEMONADE.
The OP pointed out multiple overlaps, including the use of shadows to create objects, lighting, and retouching style. One of the most notable similarities was the glowing, highlighted eyes in LEMONADE’s “Mutant” concept photos. The OP’s proposal featured several images with darkened backgrounds and only the eyes highlighted—an effect they personally edited, not sourced from the internet.
The individual shared evidence comparing their rejected proposal to the official aespa concept photos, showing clear parallels in style and execution.
The OP revealed the emotional toll this took on them, saying they spent years trying to break into the entertainment industry but were rejected by both SM Entertainment and THE BLACK LABEL. This led to financial struggles and damaged mental health, forcing them to return to their hometown and give up their dreams. Seeing SM use similar concepts for aespa was especially painful.
Fans quickly reacted to the viral post, expressing sympathy and debating the situation.
“Even to me, it looks like they referenced yours. Plus, the OP’s version actually looks even more stylish.”
“Did everything else overlap, or is it just that one thing?”
“It must be upsetting.”
“I honestly think it’s a total scumbag move when they hold a contest just to cherry-pick all the best ideas, only to end up not selecting anyone.”
“It is a bit of a gray area, though. After all, they essentially just combined existing references, and I’m not sure it goes so far as to say that the result couldn’t have been produced without having specifically consulted your original concept.”
As the situation unfolded, the post gained traction across online communities, with many netizens showing support for the OP’s experience. No official statement from SM Entertainment has been released regarding the accusations.