aespa’s latest comeback, Dirty Work, has stirred up unexpected controversy—not due to its sound or stage performance, but because of its concept photos. Shortly after SM Entertainment released the visuals, fans and online users began debating potential plagiarism, pointing out similarities between aespa’s photo concept and that of KiiiKiii, a recently debuted girl group under Starship Entertainment.
The Dirty Work concept embraces a raw, chaotic aesthetic that sets it apart from the typical polished imagery of K-pop comebacks. The photos feature candid-style poses, cluttered backgrounds, off-angle compositions, and a messy yet artistic vibe that leans into experimental fashion and street-style photography.
However, the moment these visuals dropped, some netizens noticed a resemblance to KiiiKiii’s earlier promotions. The buzz intensified when a viral post on the Nate Pann forum showcased side-by-side comparisons between the two groups’ promotional shots. The post argued that aespa’s photos mimicked KiiiKiii’s tone in lighting, styling, and photographic chaos—suggesting that SM may have drawn too much inspiration from the rookie group’s visuals.
In response, many fans pushed back, saying that such accusations were overblown. They argued that aespa’s concept is part of a broader creative trend seen in fashion magazines and indie aesthetics globally—making it unfair to pin originality to a single source. Defenders also emphasized that stylistic overlaps are common in K-pop, where concept turnarounds are rapid and trends often converge naturally.
So far, SM Entertainment has not released any official statement regarding the plagiarism speculation. aespa has continued with their promotions uninterrupted, receiving applause for their daring visuals and genre-fluid music direction. While the plagiarism debate continues online, many fans remain focused on the group’s performance and artistry, viewing the controversy as just another fleeting ripple in the highly scrutinized world of K-pop.