Aespa's explosive 2024 hit song, "Supernova," has reached a monumental milestone, surpassing 200 million views on YouTube. This achievement underscores the track's immense popularity and cements Aespa's status as a leading force in the K-pop scene. Released on May 13, 2024, as the lead single from their first studio album, "Armageddon," "Supernova" quickly captivated audiences with its innovative sound and captivating visuals.
"Supernova" is a dynamic blend of dance and hyper-pop, infused with elements of hip-hop and EDM. Penned by Kenzie, with composition by Kenzie, Paris Alexa, and Dem Jointz, the song draws a parallel between Aespa's expanded worldview and the explosive nature of a supernova. The lyrics speak of empowerment and embracing one's true self, with the members confidently proclaiming their presence as a force to be reckoned with.
The accompanying music video, directed by Ha Junghoon, further amplifies the song's impact. Within just 10 hours of its release, the video garnered over 10 million views, showcasing Aespa's global appeal. The "futuristic" visuals portray the members in "dynamic and witty characterizations," highlighting their unique superpowers against a backdrop of urban landscapes. Karina possesses super strength, Ningning commands fire, Winter floats effortlessly, and Giselle manipulates time, each power adding to the group's otherworldly persona. The video opens with Karina surviving a high fall onto a car, setting the stage for the extraordinary feats to come.
Commercially, "Supernova" has been a resounding success. In South Korea, the song achieved a perfect all-kill, simultaneously topping real-time, daily, and weekly charts. It became Aespa's first song to reach the summit of the Circle Digital Chart, maintaining the number one position for eleven non-consecutive weeks and ultimately becoming the best-performing single of the year. Beyond Korea, "Supernova" topped charts in Hong Kong and achieved top-ten status in Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. It also made a significant impact on the Billboard charts, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Global 200 and number six on the Global Excl. US chart, marking Aespa's first top-ten hit on the latter.
Critics have lauded "Supernova" for its boundary-pushing production and addictive qualities. Billboard hailed it as the "Best K-Pop Song of 2024," praising its perfect blend of innovation and structure. NME, a renowned British music magazine, included the track in their "50 Best Songs of 2024" list, describing it as "NASA-approved" with "explosive sounds" and "soaring synths." Even Grimes, the acclaimed musician and producer, was captivated by the song, creating a futuristic remix that retained the essence of the original.
The accolades for "Supernova" extend beyond critical acclaim. The song has received numerous awards at year-end ceremonies, including Song of the Year at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards, 2024 MAMA Awards, 2024 Melon Music Awards, 39th Golden Disc Awards, and 22nd Korean Music Awards, solidifying its place as a defining K-pop track of the year.
With "Supernova," Aespa continues to push the boundaries of K-pop, captivating audiences with their innovative music and captivating performances. The song's 200 million views on YouTube are a testament to its widespread appeal and Aespa's rising global prominence. As they prepare to participate in the "SMTOWN LIVE 2025" concert in Seoul, Aespa is poised to continue their reign as one of the most exciting and influential groups in the industry.
