Is It a NewJeans Shoutout? Or Not? [HT Focus]

A controversy is spreading online as claims have been raised that the lyrics and choreography of aespa’s new song are a “shoutout” to the group NewJeans.

aespa made its comeback on May 29 with its 2nd full-length album 'LEMONADE.' After first drawing major attention with the pre-release track 'WDA,' featuring G-DRAGON, along with its unconventional music video, the title track 'LEMONADE' is also continuing to draw attention.

The controversy began with the line “I ain't got no ETA-TA-TA” from the lyrics of 'LEMONADE.' As it was pointed out that the members perform a move similar to the choreography of NewJeans’ representative song 'Ditto' during the part where “ETA” is pronounced, interpretations spread that it could be “a shoutout to NewJeans.”

Fans showed mixed reactions to this. Some viewed it positively, saying, “Whether it is a shoutout or not, I am grateful just for the mention. I love aespa,” “If they made a move reminiscent of NewJeans during the ‘ETA’ lyric section, it should be seen as a shoutout,” and “I hope NewJeans comes back soon.” On the other hand, there were also many counterarguments, such as “It is a commonly used choreography move” and “Connecting a specific choreography move to NewJeans is an excessive interpretation.”

In fact, the two groups have publicly shown a friendly relationship since before. Last year, when the comeback timing of aespa’s 'Armageddon' and NewJeans’ 'How Sweet' overlapped, the two teams visited each other’s agency buildings and participated in joint challenges, showing a heartwarming side. After the challenge, aespa member WINTER also posted a photo of NewJeans’ album on a fan communication platform and wrote, “We gave one too…I wrote it with all my heart.” At the time, when aespa was asked about the two groups being inevitably tied into a competitive narrative at the showcase for the release of 'Armageddon,' the group answered, “Not long ago, we exchanged hearts in the waiting room of a music show. There is nothing to worry about, and we are getting along well as good colleagues.”

With its comeback through 'LEMONADE,' aespa has also swept Hanteo Chart’s weekly charts for the 4th week of May, continuing its chart all-kill streak. NewJeans is said to be in the midst of working on music for its return to activities.

Although this controversy naturally emerged between the fandoms of the two groups, there is also a strong possibility that it is essentially an excessive interpretation. Looking back on the steps the two groups have taken, recognizing and showing consideration for each other even within a fierce competitive landscape, fans may need to reflect on whether they are unintentionally creating an unnecessary rivalry themselves. For artists who already compete enough through charts and rankings, making them bear the weight of conflicts between fandoms does not benefit either side.