aespa 에스파 ‘ep.2 Next Level’ - SM Culture Universe 

SM crazy insane. Their branding on their girl group not only about the performance and the song but also the concept tho, are so amazing. I’ve admire SM time by time and They never disappointed. SM 👍👍👍👍

Aside from the technology and stuff, what ae-karina said in the mirror got me goosebumps, the words like "I'm the perfect version of you, you always show perfection in social media. You'll change as time passes, but me, I will be perfect (forever)". The issue of toxic social media is the main idea of this story, it's amazing!!!!!

I seriously wish they would release a game of this.

the conversation between ae-Karina and Karina is really touching. Not only for these K-pop idols, but we also struggle to be the best of ourselves. Then the difference between perfection and setbacks reminds us we are not the best and make us doubt ourselves. We will be caught and even give up. This video told us setbacks cannot pull us back and we always have to break perfection.

The meaning behind SMCU is heartbreaking..... Cyberbullying,hate comments, Toxic social media, pressure of being perfect now it's all make sense😭aespa deserve all love... aespa you got me!You got MY keep going

I feel like most people are focusing so much on how cool everything looks and the while ai concept but when you really pay attention to these episodes especially this one it really shows what being a kpop idol is really like. The scene in this where Winter hears rumors about her. The scene where Giselle is being bombarded with flashing lights and cameras. NingNing seeing hate messages. Karina wanting to be perfect so feels like she can only show her triats that make her seem perfect. It really has many meanings. Other than it being their story line and concept they also showed the harsh reality of being a kpop idol.

aespa has the BEST storyline I've ever seen! I love how it delves into KWANGYA, the online world, and how we only show the beautiful side of us, which can create a complex where the perfect version of ourselves makes our REAL self insecure. Black Mamba who represents the negativity and unhealthy obsession of chronically online people, only aggravate that insecurity making us not even want to share happy moments out of fear that they will be exploited. I wish people understood how deep this concept is. The amount of potential storylines and content they can create with this type of concept is endless. The script was perfectly written, and the quality of the CGI/comic was amazing! I love the fact that you can tell SM actually put effort and time into making a high quality video. The girls were in their bag with their acting! They really embodied their roles with an OSCAR worthy performance! I would love to see them produce a short movie compiling all the parts of the story together. I hope SM releases a Box set that has a comic version of this, as well as a DVD. They need to have a video game as well as toys etc. I know some people aren't fans of KWANGYA but I LOVE it, and I think that their true fans do too. I like that they occasionally get the chance to do videos outside of this concept like Life's Too Short, but I really hope they stick with this concept for their albums and title tracks. SM and aespa are really on the Next Level!

Aespa being voice actors, they are multi-talented !!

SM has some really creative people on their team, I'm glad they're running with this idea for a gg cause it's normally coined as guy things. They're setting up a platform for these ladies to be role models and I hope more people can get behind that.

I'm speechless. NO KPOP GROUP HAS EVER HAD A CONCEPT LIKE THIS!!!! All the artist that worked on this project, i bow to them. Incredible.

Aespa definitely has the most amazing and satisfying concept of all 4th Gen k-groups 😍

We need an ep 3 pls i wanna know what happen

I think aespa's concept may seem surreal, but it's actually about bullying on social media and obsession with looking perfect. all of these things are such a deep message. If you notice, in some scenes, for example, in the animation scene of Karina, we see images of Karina actually crying while laughing, with words like "Karina is mature, Karina is successful". it emphasizes that these people live with the "obsession of being perfect" because of others, so they create a virtual reality on the internet and show themselves as perfect on the internet.

I get where sm is going with this it's unbeatable this concept is something nobody can recreate that's why they stand out so much

Watching this made me realize that Epic Seven did a really great job with their collaboration..

i find this so amazing. this is basically the movie version of the lyrics of Next Level. SM's foresight and worldview is really ahead of its time

I'm sorry but SM creating a whole universe is so iconic like nothing is touching this. I love how Aespa is really bringing the lore to life!!

This whole concept and cinematic universe is INSANE. I can't wait to see where they take it with the other SM artists too😯

this is seriously one of the coolest concepts in kpop

Episode 3 will be released this year! Let's wait a little more

For me, this isn't cringe or weird; rather, it's a form of entertainment - a new experience for us Gen Z ... SM entertainment is beyond of everything in KPOP industry.

I love the fact that SM is trying to tackle this sensitive topic about cyber bullying and mean comments about idols. And most of us know some of there artist suffered a lot from this. I love this project before but I'm falling in love harder after learning the lesson they want to convey.

im very impressed. aespa always brings something different that gets my attention in every comeback. sm dont have to do this movie series at all. they didnt have to create the kwangya world, snakes or spiders but they spent money on it and gave so much effort just to do something different despite the fact the budget for even 1 ep is a lot. it'd be way easier for them to drop an basic mv and concept like some other groups. so i respect how they work hard to give us high quality contents consistently

They are the coolest gg i've ever seen😭😭

At this point, SM can literally produce a freaking movie. And also, the thing is, I am invested watching this because I'm trying to connect the dots how will this affect the concept of other groups since they're connected by KWANGYA

I honestly don’t know why people don’t like this concept??? It’s literally the coolest thing I’ve seen in kpop. And the storyline is incredible!!!

SM is really living up to its name. This incredible idea opens up a lot of doors. Literally connecting music, metaverse, virtual world and the real world. Whoever thought of this needs to have a massive pay rise. Sooner or later, there will be games, tv shows, movies, etc. about this. Brilliant job SM!

ok im not a aespa fan but wow this concept of theirs is so cool and its so interesting i salute sm entertainment for this!

ppl can't say they're bad after this like this is literally a high quality movie

Sm litterally said this is aespa's concept. Either take it or leave it. They are really investing in this group and it shows. I like the part where they address cyber bullying at 10:00 to 13:10. Their concept is not just cool but also meaningful and educational. This reminds me of black mirror. The dark side of being addicted to gadgets and the online world .

Their concept is amazing! Love Aespa

We all know that Karina has a Rocket Gauntlet, Winter has Guns n Swords, Ningning is a hacker and quite a big surpise that Giselle's ability is creating a lightscreen by her hand, that's freakin cool i say, so her position in battle is a ranged attacker

It seems that each of the girls had their own battles with the Black Mamba that relate irl 1) Karina being buried by high expectations and wanting to not let anyone down & hate since predebut 2) Winter and the doubts for the talent that surrounds her 3) Giselle and the never ending mocking that she receives and having all eyes to her, waiting for her next mistake 4) Ningning and the hatred and dismissive comments she receive by being herself I believe episode 2 accurately depicts the life of an idol, including the expectations, difficulties, and hatred they endure on a daily basis.

Aespa is the future of kpop.Their concept is so unique and futuristic.

Yess aespa the Metaverse Girl Group....so amazed by this concept. Have super power, have avatars, have Kwangya story line, against Black Mamba as the villain, Getting bigger and better uri aespa.

Kwangya = Internet server Flat = Device screen Real world = real world

Their metaverse concept is what also makes aespa standout aside from their top tier songs and well-rounded talents. This is the first kpop group I encountered that's dedicated to a storyline and gives a cinematic experience. Kpop stans should realize that aespa is not the typical kpop group who just sing and dance. They are BEYOND that now. Don't let the Black Mambas on the internet fool you and push you away in stanning aespa. Let's all synk dive and enjoy the train ride to Kwangya!

I love how aespa's lore talks about timely issues on soc med and how it affects the mental state of every individual who is using it. And the way they chunks it into different aspects whereas Winter's scene is about the netizen who badmouths and spreading malicious stuff with no grounds. Ningning's about how simple comments and negative reactions could stab and hurt someone. Giselle shows the bad side of being in the spotlight because they are invading her privacy and putting pressure on her to be someone she doesn't want to be. And lastly Karina, we can see her dilemmas within herself. She's battling her insecurities and flaws because she's afraid that people will not accept her true self. I really love that this is so pleasing to watch for it's cinematography, animations, and visuals. But it also tells a story and teach us all a lesson. Their concept and lore have lots of potential and quality to be BIG more in the future. Till then, aesfighting!

no one's doing it like them. initially i was skeptical about their concept back in 2020 when LSM was going on about the whole bridging the gap between artist and fans (as if parasocial relationships in kpop arent harmful and crazy already) through ai version of the girls. but im glad to see that idea didnt really see the light of the day and instead got turned into an in depth look on sm universe's lore.

It was just a month since their last comeback but i Already missing them and I want a new comeback from I can’t wait to them to introduce the next villain I’m soooo excited aespa are the only making me excited this way they are the most iconic K-pop group now

This is not just a normal story between ae and aespa.They're telling their real stories that they faced since debut.I hope my girls can beat all villians(haters) and get a lot of love.

OMG THE QUALITY OF THE THUMBNAIL IS INSANE!

aespa might be a neww kpop gg but no one can outdo how aespa ruled metaverse concept tq

Aespa story line is the coolest thing I’ve seen come out of kpop in a while, it’s so unique i respect the editors so much it must take forever to get this accomplished

I can now fully understand the aespa concept. This is awesome.

와 SM이 왜 이 걸그룹을 이렇게 미뤘는지 이제 알겠다 이거만 봐도 컨셉이 정말 알차게 준비되어 있었다. 여러분 에스파 많이 사랑해주세요.....

have anyone known in4 of the webtoon artist.? the webtoon style is so insane, i'd love to follow her and see her works more

Raise your hands 🤚🏼🤚🏼 if you always support and love AESPA 🧡❤️

SM really is something. They are ensuring aespa's success. Aespa's concept is really next level. Also SME's editors and budget for aespa is really admirable

This is visionary stuff. SM is taking Kpop to places I never would have imagined. I'm very impressed.

WE NEED A NEW EPISODE

4,4M Aespa continue to grow n shine bright

*The way this episode connects black mamba, next level and savage all three together!!* This is beyond amazing. The MV's scene and the lyrics makes so much sense now!!

Can't friggin' wait for episode 3! SM's CEO has "Episode 3 really soon" in his bio. So I'm guessing ep 3 won't take a year to release.

SM has a lot of focus and creative indulgments on Aespa, I've never seen a kpop group having as insane focus as Aespa

back here after SMCU episode 3!

스엠 생각했던것보다 훨씬 더 광야에 진심이었구나.. 몰라줘서 미안하다야..

뮤비들 장면 하나하나 빅픽쳐 노리고 있었네..ㄷㄷㄷ

This should be a kdrama tbh 😭😭😭

aespa is sm’s future. the power they hold being barely two years in the game, it’s just crazy.

A year and seven months in their career, and aespa already delivered arguably the best concept in kpop and undeniably one of the craziest era in history.

Smcu kali ini sebetulnya blackmamba ke hatters dan smcu ini memiliki makna dan pesan moral terhadap kehidupan para member Karina:insecure Winter:rumor/gosip Giselle:tekanan publik Ningning:hate komentar Dari situ kita melihat di dlm smcu para member ingin menceritakan atau memperlihatkan "sisi gelap" Dari dunia k-pop.. Di situ kita bisa melihat orang-orang yang mempergunakan teknologi dengan salah yang menyebarkan sesuatu hal yang tidak benar karna saya yakin sm udah tau akan terjadi pada aespa Soal kereta sm entertainment mengkaitkan tentang masa depan dia ingin anak artisnya termasuk aespa melihat atau memandang dunia untuk menghadapi yang terjadi dan menginginkan mereka memikirkan masa depan mereka tanpa harus peduli omongan hatters yang tidak jelas Kupu2 ibarat ingin menggunakan kekuatan kamu untuk terbang lebih tinggi meraih apa yang kamu inginkan tanpa harus peduli omongan hatters/blackmamba

Sm and their concept specially this one concept amazing

SM really went off with aespa!. They’re original and unique .. it’s really cool. + I think that winter is a black mamba since the rule was to never look back, winter looked back twice and there’s many other evidence!.

People need to understand that Aespa are not a distraction, they are an inspiration.

SM clearly recruited the most talented artists and designers out there big big kudos to the visual team behind the scenes!

Rewatching it again! Can’t wait for episode 3!

I love the Sci fi fantasy and concept of this! nævis so pretty too 😭 starting to like æspa ngl

The fact that they kind show the struggle of the idol life AMAZING. the four of them I have a special struggle and I LIVE FOR THAT I need the third ep now...

normalize liking aespa not only because of their visuals, but because they are talented, amazing, beautiful, precious peoples. words cannot describe how amazing they are.

13:22 is where the famous audio is from

I feel like im watching a movie and its so cool omg debut this girls as actresses! They deserve it!

I really hope that the netizens in general are able to appreciate the great artistic work that is in these 17 minutes of video that are short with the great quality that is in them. The use of 3D and 2D graphics added to CGI and the innate talent of the æspa girls make this a masterful audiovisual work of art. SM is making this group an innovative revolution in the industry and the amount of emotions that are transmitted to the viewer are proof of this. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a movie-quality clip like this one, which undoubtedly takes what was seen in the first part to another level. It only remains to hope that this comeback will be a great success full of achievements for this group, worthy of all the praise it can receive.

The quality is top-notch, no other currently active girl groups will ever come close to this. they can only dream of such high-quality well-produced teasers.

SM is on the next level fr

For me this is a really NEW, aespa concepts is the standard!! No one can ever do like them! Idk why they get so much hates just like "c*pyng other group".. i love they originality! I also love fantasy genre lol maybe it makes me love them, but i dont care! Other people may hate this but i just wanna say, don't forget if you or even your favorite group have haters too. Spread love so we can support each other.

Can we talk about Giselles acting. She seriously nailed it. And also that little moment between NingNing and Giselle ae's.

i’m not a MY but as an artist, i’m absolutely amazed by this, the animation, art styles, cinematography, world building and storyline is phenomenal! this is so interesting and innovative! i’ve never seen a kpop group doing something like this wow

The best concept in the kpop

SMCU EP 3 IS TODAY

*FROM INTRODUCTION, PRODUCTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY, ACTING, VISUALS, TO MUSIC... EVERYTHING IS SO PERFECT. INDEED A MASTERPIECE*

WOW ! JUST..... WOW !!! THE BEST KPOP GROUP CONCEPT YET. NOT ONLY AESTHETICALLY MAGNIFICENT BUT ALSO TACKLES RELEVANT ISSUES IN CYBERSPACE AND OFFLINE REALITY. I DON'T THINK THE WORLD IS READY FOR THIS. SM OUTDID THEMSELVES !!! KUDOS.

Rewatching this because we got ep.3 really sooooon!

We need episode 3. Also when will we get the aespa cinematic universe movie or TV series?

This is insane....SM truly has such a creative team , everything links back to the beginning, and it is this fantastical lore which so compellingly draws the audience in, so magical and wonderful....looking forward to see more of SM Universe.

At this point I don't even wanna wait for the next comeback anymore. I just want it to be a whole movie!

I’m preparation for ep. 3, I gotta review the previous episodes

This concept is really impressive.They got me.

This is truly next level production for a girl group. aespa is truly unique. Thank you!

Lagi serius nonton eh pas bagian serunya malah abis! But this is insane!!!! The visual, art, the CGI was perfect! Love it!

Omg?!?!?!?This is so cool, the girls are so pretty😭😭😭😭😭

Guys ep.3 is coming on 23th

Giselle really has potential in acting. I especially like the little nuances of her facial expressions and body. It also must be because of her experience in theatre. I can see her doing acting projects in the future.

At first people thought their concept was weird and didn't like how the girls played along in interviews and stuff, and disliked all the terms in the songs. But SM knew what they were doing, taking it even farther and giving them actual story content to expand the world, makes all the other stuff 20x cooler!! In love with this, most unique gg in kpop.

I just discovered this and it’s incredibly perfect I NEED THE NEXT EPISODE RNNNN

This is crazy man..They are really on another level aespa is the future of kpop.I f@k*n love them😍🥰

Sm이라서 가능한 세계관.... 그 누구보다 세계관에 진심인 sm... 다음화 마렵다 진짜 또 1년후에 나올거냐...오반데

They really have the most interesting lore I've ever seen, SM always wins when it comes to group lores.

Love aespa, please SM do more like this

Can't wait for SMCU episode 3: my prediction the title can be " SAVAGE GIRLS" comes from their title "Savage" mv and their newest comeback "Girls". 🤘🤘🤘