On May 8th, Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports published an article featuring insights from five music critics regarding the future of K-pop girl group Aespa and their distinct musical direction. Karina, Giselle, Winter, and NingNing form the quartet that has recently released their third mini-album, "My World," featuring the pre-released song "Welcome to My World" and the title track "Spicy."

The critics, Im Jinmo, Ha Jae Geun, Kim Doheon, Kim Sung Soo, and Kang Tae Kyu, discussed how Aespa's unique identity would help them stand out among other K-pop girl groups. Since their debut, Aespa has gained fame for their metaverse concept, dividing their universe into KWANGYA and the real world. However, with their latest release, the group is shifting to the "real world."

The critics agreed that "Welcome to My World" marks a turning point in Aespa's music direction. Im Jinmo commented, "In the pre-released song, Aespa strongly gives the feeling of trying to approach fans slowly with a grand feeling rather than powerful and stimulating." Ha Jae-Geun added, "What Aespa tried to show with this pre-released song is the diversity of their music. It seems that they tried to give a non-irritating feeling with the pre-released song."

However, the critics also expressed concerns about how this change might impact their existing fan base, My. While some fans may be alienated by the shift away from the SMCU concept, the critics acknowledged that Aespa's new direction could also attract more fans.

The article also emphasized how Aespa's unique worldview sets them apart from other K-pop girl groups like IVE, NewJeans, and LE SSERAFIM. The critics, however, had differing opinions on whether the group should continue with their metaverse concept.

Im Jin-mo said, "I think we should adjust the metaverse concept and view music as its own artistry and compete. The music style of Aespa is most in line with K-pop identity, but music should not be too difficult." On the other hand, Kim Heon Sik observed, "If you look at the recent K-pop scene, the musical sensibility that was popular during the Y2K (from the late 1990s to the early 2000s) seems to be blooming again... I think Aespa is showing it well at this point."

Kim Sung Soo praised Aespa's concept, stating, "Aespa is a group that is an indicator of SM. It was born with the best product value that can be created technically and marketing in SM." As Aespa continues to evolve, their distinct identity and music direction will undoubtedly play a crucial role in setting them apart from their peers in the K-pop industry.

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