They’re supersonic, and they’re making their return like a supernova. On the cusp of their biggest comeback yet, is none other than K-pop powerhouse Aespa. Winter, Karina, Ningning and Giselle are making a beeline for an explosive drop, with their first-ever full album since their debut with ‘Black Mamba’ in 2020. Titled Armageddon, it’s got all the makings of what a grand K-pop comeback should be: immaculate concepts, high-energy performances, and of course, some addictive new tracks to put on repeat. By way of welcoming the latter, the group has just dropped their highly-awaited pre-release ahead of the album: ‘Supernova’.
Touted to be the first of two title tracks, ‘Supernova’ speeds right into interstellar territory, sampling a 1982 classic: Afrika Bambaataa’s ‘Planet Rock’. But on its own, the track stands strong: as a swooping, glitchy package infused with that hyper-futuristic flavour that feels right at home with the new-age quartet. One listen, and the group’s audience will soon find themselves enamoured with the stirring build-ups and irresistible refrains on the chorus. Yet the other half of the release’s magic lies in how grandly matched it is to its accompanying music video.
There’s no catch here. From start to end, Aespa swings right into motion, embodying the off-kilter, psychedelic mood of their enthralling new song. And the MV proves to be a trippy ride visually, enacted through its editing choices as well as its flawless production where the girls are concerned as each of them are shown to have otherworldly powers such as Karina’s super strength or Ningning’s control over fire. Flitting between metallic ensembles and maximalist, poppy hues, the beauty notes prove to be equally electrifying in its delivery. Cue near-deranged doses of igari blush, the mesmerising magic of hair tinsel and of course, playfully kooky manicures that we simply can’t get enough of.
Below, the most captivating beauty moments in Aespa’s ‘Supernova’ MV.
1 / 7
Kitschy vamp
Karina crashing down onto a car first thing into this MV wasn’t what we had on our bingo card, but here we are. Surely no one normal is capable of such an entrance—and her eclectic manicure and fuschia-pinked peepers reflect that in kind. To top it all off? A set of vampy fangs, as if she’s just back from the dead.
2 / 7
Manic pixie
If Karina’s the certified freak, then Winter’s ‘Supernova’ manic pixie dream girl for sure. Her blonde tresses have always been a fan-favourite, but it’s her braided pigtails, a manicure that screams kidcore and that glossy pout juxtaposed against her soft goth lids that truly deliver this look.
3 / 7
Monochrome mania
The monochromatic make-up look reigns supreme—and Ningning is clear proof. Boasting a flush of coral on her cheeks, her terracotta lip and wine-red mane only serve as the perfect complementary details.
4 / 7
Drunk-dazed
From the crying make-up look to the popular igari blush style, there’s no denying the beauty set’s fascination with attitudinal looks that subvert ideal beauty standards. Trust that Giselle’s drunken dose of blush—applied in generous swoops on her under eyes—is one unrivalled case for the above as she drowns herself in the loop of time (the element she controls in the music video).
5 / 7
Blue flame
She’s fired up and (already) letting the world burn. But as far as Ningning’s concerned, her extraterrestrial flames won’t get in the way of a speckless manicure—one she effortlessly coordinates to her electric blue lids and pupils.
6 / 7
Fearsome gaze
Karina’s leading the charge for every grand scene switch (and corresponding outfit change). Her cat-like talons, underlined peepers and slicked back ponytail certainly ensures she looks the part.
7 / 7
Hyper-stellar
On the bridge of the riveting ‘Supernova’, Winter slips into a showcase of her vocal prowess. To do so, her blonde locks interwoven with hair tinsel are truly the star of the frame—painting her ethereal with a wet make-up look and lilting touches of body glitter.
