Aespa’s Japanese Debut is anything but a ‘Hot Mess’

Get ready MYs! Aespa just released their very first Japanese single Hot Mess. The world-wide K-Pop girl group has made their long-awaited debut in Japan, 4 years after their first Korean release. The release gives us three new songs, Hot Mess, Sun and Moon and Zoom Zoom.

Hot Mess is a fun, pop synth track that many fans say is similar to one of Aespa’s Korean titles, Spicy. The two songs share the same Y2K pop concept that Aespa has made their own. 

The song’s empowering lyrics talk about the girls’ self confidence, and how they’ll continue to surpass expectations without hesitation in their own unique way, despite what other people might say. The song encourages individuality and pushes listeners to create their own story with aplomb.

Left to Right: Karina, Winter, Giselle, NingNing

Source: @aespaJPofficial on X

The music video is inspired by Japanese Sci-fi comic, Gundam, with more subtle references to popular anime series, Sailor Moon. It features the group’s ae-members (avatars of Aespa in a digital world) drawn in a classic anime art style instead of their usual futuristic, AI style. The video makes use of bright and girly colours, such as pinks and purples, that are ubiquitous in Aespa’s concept.

Since its release, the music video has accumulated over 5 million views on YouTube.

Aespa is set to perform in a sold-out show at Singapore’s Indoor Stadium on 20th July 2024, as part of their second world tour “Synk: Parallel Line”.

Listen to Hot Mess by Aespa on all music streaming platforms now.