Did aespa plagiarize KiiiKiii in Dirty Work concept? Fans hit back, accuse Starship rookies of ‘reheating NJZ nachos'
The concept: Chaotic, candid, and now controversial
The Dirty Work concept photos feature a raw, offbeat aesthetic, a deliberate departure from clean studio shots. They've disordered backdrops, seemingly candid angles, and a playful messiness to the frame. The styling appears to embrace a spontaneous and artistic direction.
However, shortly after the images were made public, some netizens began pointing out similarities between aespa 's concept and that of KiiiKiii. It's a rookie girl group recently launched by Starship Entertainment. The chatter gained traction when a post on online community Nate Pann went viral. It showcases side-by-side comparisons between the two groups' promotional photos.
The post argued that beyond posing and framing, the overall visual tone (lighting, styling, and compositional chaos) was nearly identical. It suggests that aespa's shoot may have been inspired by, or even copied, KiiiKiii's earlier work.
Fans fire back
Despite the claims, a significant portion of the online community quickly came to aespa 's defense. Many fans and neutral users alike criticized the accusation, calling it baseless and exaggerated.
One common sentiment among defenders was that messy or spontaneous-style concept photos are not exclusive to any one group. Also, the visual direction used in Dirty Work has long existed within fashion editorials and indie visuals.
Others pointed out that similarities in K-pop styling are often coincidental, especially given the fast-paced nature of promotional planning.
No agency response yet
So far, SM Entertainment has not issued any statement regarding the plagiarism claims. aespa, meanwhile, continues with promotions for Dirty Work, with the group receiving praise for their bold new image and continued musical evolution.
While online controversies are nothing new in K-pop, this situation once again highlights how quickly visual similarities can spark discourse in a hyper-aware digital fandom. As aespa's comeback gains momentum, fans appear more focused on the music than the noise. They brush off the accusations as just another stretch in the ever-watchful world of K-pop speculation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
BTS' V Becomes First Korean Male Idol To Cross 69M Instagram Followers, See Top 10 List
BTS' V sets a new record as the first Korean male idol to cross 69M Instagram followers. Here's how the rest of the top 10 male K-pop idols rank. BTS' V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has officially made Instagram history. The singer and actor has become the first Korean male idol to surpass 69 million followers on the platform, cementing his place as the most-followed Korean male idol on Instagram. This milestone not only reflects V's explosive popularity but also highlights his unmatched influence in the global pop culture landscape. V's Instagram is a unique mix of art, fashion, and personal aesthetics. Whether he's posting artsy black-and-white selfies, travel photos, or behind-the-scenes glimpses from shoots and concerts, his feed never fails to mesmerize fans. With this record-breaking achievement, V has solidified his position as a social media powerhouse. View this post on Instagram A post shared by V (@thv) Here's a look at the Top 10 most-followed male K-pop idols on Instagram, and not surprisingly, BTS members dominate the list: 1. BTS' V (@thv) Taehyung continues to set trends with his effortlessly stylish and artsy feed. His posts regularly go viral, earning millions of likes within minutes. 2. BTS' Jimin (@j.m) Jimin's elegant visuals and warm presence have earned him a loyal following. His posts often reflect his personality—graceful, heartfelt, and aesthetic. 3. BTS' j-hope (@uarmyhope) Known for his vibrant and cheerful posts, j-hope brings positive energy to fans worldwide, sharing his music journey and personal moments. 4. BTS' Jin (@jin) True to his nickname 'Worldwide Handsome," Jin's feed is filled with humorous and candid posts, winning hearts everywhere. 5. BTS' SUGA (@agustd) SUGA's minimalist and mysterious vibe translates well to Instagram. His rare but meaningful posts are deeply appreciated by ARMY. 6. ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo (@eunwo.o_c) The only non-BTS member in the top 6, Eunwoo's prince-like visuals and acting career keep his feed polished and fan-favorite. 7. BTS' RM (@rkive) The BTS leader curates a thoughtful, artistic feed with book recommendations, museum visits, and serene landscapes. 8. GOT7's Jackson Wang (@jacksonwang852g7) An international icon, Jackson mixes global fashion, music, and fitness updates that resonate with fans across cultures. 9. Stray Kids' Felix (@ Known for his dreamy visuals and duality, Felix's aesthetic posts are loved by his growing fanbase. 10. Stray Kids' Hyunjin (@hynjinnnn) Hyunjin shares moody, artistic snapshots that reflect his evolving artistry and emotional depth. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
8 hours ago
- India Today
S Line could just be the most genius K-Drama of 2025. Because sex and secrets!
If you're the type who's always up for a K-drama that messes with your mind while making you question your morals (and, occasionally, your sanity), 'S Line' should be firmly on your radar. There are no slow-motion piggyback rides or love triangles fuelled by shared umbrellas. Instead, this one kicks open the door with a premise so wildly original, it'll have your brain short-circuiting before the opening credits are the heart of 'S Line' is a provocative concept. In this world, the sexual relationships between people are exposed as literal red lines. Yes, visible to the naked eye. Imagine walking down the street and being able to see who's been intimate with whom. You won't need a Coldplay concert and a kiss cam to find out what's going on with the CEO and the Head of HR. You'll just need a pair of supernatural glasses and a taste for scandalous tea. It's a rather oddball take on the Red String Theory. For those unversed, the Red String Theory suggests that an invisible red thread connects soulmates, binding them together regardless of time, place, or circumstance. Now, onto the plot. This isn't just shock value for the sake of it, though. The drama dives deep into the chaos that would follow if our most intimate secrets were laid bare shame, judgment, societal collapse (and probably a few very tense family dinners). It's a razor-sharp commentary on privacy, perception, and how fragile society's moral compass really is when the curtains get pulled if you're thinking, 'Okay, cool idea, but does it deliver?' Oh, absolutely. 'S Line' doesn't just throw its characters into a voyeuristic nightmare and call it a day, it wraps this world in a gripping murder mystery. Someone's dead. The truth is buried. And that mysterious red string of connection? That might just be the key. It's suspense with teeth, every episode drips with tension, slowly unravelling a conspiracy that's both personal and cast? Nothing short of magnetic. Lee Soo-hyuk (whom you might know from 'Tomorrow') leads with his trademark icy elegance, turning in one of his most layered performances to date. Lee Da-hee (from 'The Divorce Insurance') brings a fierce vulnerability, while K-pop group Oh My Girl's Arin surprises with emotional range that proves she's no longer just the rookie on the scene. Each character feels raw, real, and heartbreakingly human, even when they're tangled in a reality that's anything in case you needed more convincing, 'S Line' has already made waves internationally, winning Best Music at the Cannes International Series Festival and sparking online buzz before it even dropped. It's bold, it's stylish, and it's got the kind of concept that makes you question whether your phone camera is watching you a little too a world where social media already blurs the line between public and private, 'S Line' asks what if that line wasn't just blurred, it was visible to everyone? If you're looking for something sleek, unsettling, and thought-provoking, 'S Line' isn't just worth watching, it's impossible to ignore. You can watch the show on Dailymotion.- Ends
India Today
8 hours ago
- India Today
Did you know that Saiyaara's Ahaan Panday is a Blackpink fan?
In a light-hearted moment that's now creating a buzz among Indian K-pop enthusiasts, up-and-coming Bollywood actor Ahaan Panday made a rather unexpected admission: his favourite K-pop artist is none other than BLACKPINK's Lisa. The surprise came during a recent episode on his sister Alanna Panday's YouTube channel, where the siblings took part in an entertaining guessing the segment, Alanna and others were challenged to guess Ahaan's top K-pop pick. In a playful twist, Alanna hesitantly scribbled 'PINKBLACK' on a whiteboard, accidentally flipping the name of the famous girl group. Ahaan burst into laughter at the mix-up but conceded that she wasn't entirely off the mark. Alanna stood by her answer, insisting she had guessed correctly. Eventually, Ahaan confirmed that Lisa was indeed his across India were both surprised and delighted. Social media was abuzz with excitement as followers reacted to Ahaan's unexpected admiration for Lisa. One fan wrote "Ahaan Pandey being a lisa Stan was not on my 2025 bingo card but alr I'll take my crumbs, (sic)" . The Internet praised his choice, highlighting Lisa's global charm and exceptional talent. Another wrote, "did yall know Ahaan Panday (ananya panday's cousin) biases lisa (blackpink) dhfwjefjqkef (sic)". Ahaan Panday recently made his acting debut in 'Saiyaara', a romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films. He stars alongside Aneet Padda. The film draws loose inspiration from the 2004 Korean classic 'A Moment to Remember'.In the film, Ahaan plays Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician who falls in love with Vaani Batra, a thoughtful and introspective poet. Their journey is one of emotional healing, depth, and enduring Lisa is currently touring with fellow BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Ros, and Jennie as part of their DEADLINE World Tour. The group recently concluded two consecutive performances in Toronto on July 22 and 23. Their next destination? New York City, where they are scheduled to perform on July 26 and continues to captivate audiences around the world with her powerful stage presence and electrifying energy. And now, she can count a new and unexpected fan in the Panday household.- EndsTrending Reel
