Why aespa's Next Level Became The Biggest K-pop Song of 2021

"Next Level" by aespa transformed the K-pop landscape when it was released on May 17, 2021. The hip-hop dance track, which remakes A$ton Wyld's song of the same name, quickly established itself as more than just another comeback—it became a cultural phenomenon.

Initially released as the group's third digital single, "Next Level" showcased aespa's powerful vocals alongside a groovy rap and energetic bass riff. The song eventually achieved remarkable success, becoming the group's first top-five hit in South Korea and their second entry on the Billboard Global 200. Furthermore, it garnered significant recognition at the 19th Korean Music Awards, winning both Best K-Pop Song and Song of the Year. This achievement was particularly noteworthy because aespa became the first SM Entertainment idol girl group to win multiple awards at this prestigious ceremony, following Girls' Generation's victory in 2010.

The impact of "Next Level" extended beyond Korea, as evidenced by its gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in July 2023 after surpassing 50 million streams.

The comeback that changed everything

After the success of their debut single "Black Mamba," anticipation for aespa's comeback reached fever pitch when SM Entertainment confirmed on May 4, 2021 that the group was in final preparation stages for their return.

How aespa teased their return

The group's comeback strategy began with a cryptic teaser released on May 5, confirming the May 17 release date. From May 7 to 10, SM Entertainment unveiled individual teaser images for each member in sequence—Karina, Winter, Giselle, and finally Ningning. These visuals featured the members posing with futuristic elements like sleek motorcycles and otherworldly backgrounds.

The aesthetic wasn't random—according to photographer Bryan Huynh's Instagram, the visuals drew inspiration from Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy. This gaming influence aligned perfectly with the track title "Next Level" and aespa's digital avatar concept.

The significance of the May 17 release

The May 17 release marked aespa's first major comeback since their November 2020 debut. As only the first new girl group from SM Entertainment since Red Velvet's 2014 debut, expectations were extraordinarily high. The timing was strategic, giving the rookie group time to establish their identity while maintaining momentum.

On release day, "Next Level" quickly demonstrated its potential, eventually becoming aespa's fastest music video to reach 200 million views—taking approximately eight months and ten days to achieve this milestone.

Why this comeback felt different

"Next Level" stood apart through its expansion of aespa's unique narrative. The song continued developing the SM Culture Universe, with members traveling to "KWANGYA" to battle the Black Mamba. This complex storyline, which SM founder Lee Soo Man personally directed details for, drew comparisons to Marvel movies.

The track itself represented a bold sonic direction—a remake of A$ton Wyld's song from Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw transformed into a hip-hop dance track with SM's signature style. Although some critics found the structure jarring, others praised Winter and Ningning's vocal performances and Karina and Giselle's sophisticated rap.

Consequently, "Next Level" became aespa's ticket to joining the exclusive club of South Korea's most successful girl groups, ultimately becoming the longest-charting girl group song on Gaon Digital Chart's Top 5.

Breaking down the sound of 'Next Level'

Musical creativity reaches its peak in "Next Level," where genre boundaries dissolve into a distinctive sonic landscape. The track showcases aespa's ability to navigate complex musical territory with remarkable precision.

Genre fusion: hip hop, EDM, and dance-pop

"Next Level" defies simple categorization, blending multiple genres into a cohesive whole. At its core, it's a hip-hop dance track with a "groovy" rap section and an "energetic" bass riff. Music critics have identified various elements within the song—Mariel Abanes of NME described it as a "fierce dance-pop song in a futuristic world," while Divyansha Dongre of Rolling Stone India labeled it an "energetic EDM anthem". Notably, the song features a dramatic "rhythm switch mid-track with an upbeat jazz-inspired composition", creating a multi-dimensional listening experience.

The role of Yoo Young-jin and other producers

Behind "Next Level" stands a powerhouse production team led by legendary SM producer Yoo Young-jin, alongside Adam McInnis, Mario Marchetti, and Sophie Curtis. SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man personally helped aespa add a "distinctive color to the song". This collaboration resulted in the track bearing the "easily-identifiable, Yoo Young-Jin arranged SM sound", especially evident in the R&B breakdown that "hearkens back to SM's old-school sound".

How the song remakes A$ton Wyld's original

"Next Level" reimagines A$ton Wyld's song from the Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw soundtrack. In transforming the track, SM Entertainment contacted McInnis about remaking the song, with most changes implemented by SM. The original featured "traditional and familiar elements of a hip-hop movie soundtrack," whereas aespa's version was recreated "with a higher pitch and more accentuated composition", showcasing the group's unique artistic identity.

aespa's vocal and rap performance highlights

Each member brings distinctive strengths to "Next Level." Critics praised Karina and Giselle for their "sophisticated rap" sections, while Winter's high-pitched part "energizes the bridge, smoothly weaving the changing composition". Both Winter and Ningning demonstrate their vocal prowess throughout, particularly during the R&B breakdown that provides a "vocal showcase". As Karina noted, the members tried to bring "more power to the single through their voices", resulting in performances that showcase their technical abilities and artistic range.

The story behind the lyrics and universe

Behind the catchy beats of "Next Level" lies an intricate storyline that expands aespa's unique fictional universe. SM Entertainment created this complex narrative as part of their broader "SM Culture Universe" (SMCU), giving the song deeper meaning beyond its musical elements.

What is KWANGYA and who is Black Mamba?

KWANGYA represents an alternative dimension within the SMCU where aespa's journey takes place. First referenced in NCT's "90's Love," KWANGYA exists as a limitless virtual realm beyond FLAT (where digital avatars reside). This mysterious space "keeps expanding limitlessly beyond the infinite universe" without form, rules, or limits.

At the heart of aespa's storyline lurks Black Mamba, the antagonist threatening the "SYNK" connection between aespa members and their digital counterparts called "ae." Visually depicted as a giant serpent, Black Mamba creates a "SYNKOUT," forcing disconnection between humans and their virtual selves. In the lore, this villain symbolizes temptation and corruption in the digital world.

How 'Next Level' continues aespa's narrative

"Next Level" directly continues the storyline established in "Black Mamba." Karina explained, "It tells the story of aespa and our personal avatar counterparts going on an adventure to KWANGYA to find Black Mamba." This quest aims to restore the broken connection with their digital selves after the events in their debut single.

The track introduces new terminology, including "NAEVIS," an AI figure who can open the "P.O.S." (Port of Soul) allowing members to reconnect with their ae-counterparts. The lyrics "That's my NAEVIS, you lead, we follow" highlight this new character's importance to their journey.

Symbolism in the lyrics and visuals

Religious imagery permeates the SMCU, with professor Chammah J. Kaunda noting biblical references throughout. The term "KWANGYA" itself carries Christian connotations, translated as "wilderness" in Korean biblical texts. The lyrics warn, "Don't covet things of KWANGYA," paralleling biblical warnings about temptation.

The music video's futuristic aesthetics, featuring space-like settings and digital glitches, visually represent the crossing between dimensions. When members sing about reaching "KOSMO," another transcendent realm appears, suggesting multiple levels within this universe.

Fan theories and interpretations

Fans have developed various theories about aespa's complex narrative. Some interpret the storyline as commentary on our digital identities, with Black Mamba representing the dangers of technology corrupting our online personas. Others view it as an allegory for fame, where ae-counterparts symbolize idealized public images celebrities must maintain.

The concept of multiple dimensions has sparked discussions about potential crossovers with other SM artists, as NCT has also referenced KWANGYA in their music. SM founder Lee Soo-man's heavy involvement in directing "every detail" of the concept suggests these connections are intentional, creating what Leeteuk of Super Junior compared to "Marvel movies" in scope and complexity.

From charts to awards: the song’s massive impact

The remarkable commercial success of "Next Level" solidified aespa's position as one of K-pop's most promising acts, turning their comeback into a genuine industry phenomenon.

Top chart positions in Korea and globally

Upon release, "Next Level" soared to unprecedented heights, becoming aespa's first top-five hit on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and their second entry on the Billboard Global 200. The track maintained extraordinary longevity, holding the record for longest-charting girl group song in Gaon Digital Chart's Top 5. Moreover, it topped the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart for the first week of August 2021, marking aespa's first number-one single.

Internationally, "Next Level" received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in July 2023 after exceeding 50 million streams. The song simultaneously charted in 11 territories worldwide, demonstrating its global appeal beyond aespa's home market.

Major awards and recognitions

The song's impact resonated throughout award seasons, securing prestigious honors at the 19th Korean Music Awards where aespa won both Best K-Pop Song and Song of the Year. This achievement made them the first SM Entertainment idol girl group to win multiple awards at this ceremony since Girls' Generation in 2010.

Additionally, "Next Level" received recognition at other major ceremonies, enhancing aespa's reputation as formidable contenders in the competitive K-pop landscape.

YouTube milestones and streaming records

The music video for "Next Level" became aespa's fastest to reach 200 million views, accomplishing this milestone in approximately eight months and ten days. This visual triumph underscored the widespread enthusiasm for both the song and its accompanying imagery.

Streaming platforms likewise reflected the track's popularity, with "Next Level" accumulating impressive numbers across services worldwide. Indeed, these streaming achievements contributed significantly to the song's chart longevity.

How 'Next Level' elevated aespa's status

Prior to this release, aespa was considered a promising rookie group. Following "Next Level," they firmly established themselves as industry leaders. The song undeniably accelerated their career trajectory, transforming them from newcomers into a group commanding significant attention and respect.

This breakthrough hit ultimately positioned aespa alongside South Korea's most successful girl groups, proving they weren't merely temporary sensations but artists with genuine staying power in an increasingly competitive market.