Like a supernova, they’ve conquered the galactica. They can even go as far as to say that they’ve lived through Armageddon. So Aespa definitely took us by surprise when they flipped the playbook—to get down and dirty in their latest comeback. The verdict? It’s real bad business, for sure.
Since their early debut days, the supersonic quartet has consistently surpassed the ranks, and just last year, their viral hit ‘Supernova’ was crowned K-pop’s Song of the Year at the 2024 MAMA Awards. Now with half a decade on their backs, they’re not afraid to dig deep and unearth new ground—and we mean this quite literally with the group’s newest drop, ‘Dirty Work’. Sonically the new track maintains its stylish approach, but there’s a pared-back refrain to it—especially if you’re comparing it to the hypermaximalism of ‘Supernova’ and ‘Whiplash’. Visually however? It’s a primal switch; a high-budget production that sees the full works; less futuristic glamour; more grunge, confident edge and all in all, unafraid to drag us out into the fighting ring and into the mud.
There’s Winter crawling through sludge. Karina and Ningning both slinging through the soil. Giselle working her way through the sewers. They may be dripping with cool girl nonchalance, but it’s clear all four of them—Ningning, Karina, Giselle and Winter—were fully committed to the concept and gave it their all. All whilst still proving to be absolute stunners, of course, with a hard carry from the hair and make-up department. Flawless in delivery, there were wet, mussed-up strands framing sand-licked cheeks, and peepers tightlined and smudged to give the illusion of a rough time. But once the switch comes midway through? We were gratified with a fierce cascade of delicious close-ups: glowing skin, shimmers abound and glosses done to perfection.
With details as impeccable as these, we chronicled the most enthralling beauty looks from Aespa’s ‘Dirty Work’ MV, all for your viewing pleasure.
1 / 9
Chopped and bobbed
Karina’s choppy layers is earning her the ultimate cool girl cred, especially when she flips her bob up right after a supposed tumble down muddy terrain. Paired to that dark terracotta lip? The face card is devouring, no doubt.
2 / 9
This biker's a bombshell
Smeared in dirt and mud, Ningning still serves ace with this feverish take on smoked-up glamour: bronzy shimmers and a head of voluminous curls giving her all the attitude she needs.
3 / 9
Rise from the ashes
With a softly-blurred waterline, wet tresses splayed across her forehead and those silver specks, it’s almost impossible to believe that Winter’s crawling through sludge right at this very moment.
4 / 9
Sullied in the mud
Then came the blonde. Karina is swimming in mud by this point of the MV, but her sunburnt cheeks are still flushed and rosy beneath the streaks of coal. To accentuate her nose bridge and inner corner area, a touch of powder and white highlighter does the trick.
5 / 9
Forged through fire
If fearsome were a picture. Giselle delivers the kicker: I’m not an It girl, more like a hit girl. She makes a convincing case with her distressed ruby mane, visibly smeared shadows around her eyes, as well as those sharp talons.
6 / 9
Pout perfection
Here comes the transformation: Karina’s holographic shimmers, rosy cheeks and that flawless glossy pout being a definite source of serotonin for the beauty girlies.
7 / 9
Aquatic mirage
Ningning isn’t playing by the rules—and giving us the 2.0 version of a wet look. Nude claws in tow, her scrunched up mane and the staying power of her mascara is what we’re noticing.
8 / 9
Slivers of silver
No one does metallics like these girls do. Even in subtle touches of silver around her peepers, the effect is a long-lasting one on our collective psyches.
9 / 9
Two strikes and you're out
The straight cut bangs? The high ponytail? The double-striped nose bridge? Winter surely knows how to go out with a bang.
