aespa's "Next Level" named Spotify's best K-Pop Song of 2021

Swedish audio streaming platform Spotify has released its list of the best K-Pop songs of 2021 and aespa's viral track Next Level topped the charts at number one. The song was released in May 2021 and surpassed ITZY's - In The Morning, TWICE's - Alcohol-Free, BTS' - Butter, Rose's - On The Ground and many more.

What is aespa's Next Level based on?

The song Next Level is a remix of Aussie singer Aston's 2019 song of the same name, which was also featured in the movie Fast & Furious Present: Hobbs & Shaw. The soundtrack has over 3.1 million likes and 100 million views on YouTube at the time of writing. The group also has a following of 6.7 million people on Instagram and 1.9 million on Twitter.

A look at aespa's meteoric rise

aespa is a South Korean all-girl group formed by SM Entertainment. This K-Pop group consists of four members: Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. Their first debut was on November 17, 2020 with their hit single Black.

The soundtrack is based on the continuation of the group's story from the debut single Black Mamba, reiterating their story into the fictional universe of Kwangya to search for an evil that lingers.

The members set forth into the wilderness to find the Black Mamba, that is wreaking havoc and interfering with the Synk which is the connection between themselves and the 'ae'.

Their concept emerges from the bridge that links virtuality and reality. The music videos have actual members along with their virtual counterparts supporting and assisting one another though being in two separate realities.

The group also entered into the Top 5 of the Gaon Yearly Chart. It is the only idol group song released this year to enter the chart.

SM Entertainment x YouTube #RemasterMV

Earlier this month, it was revealed that SM Entertainment x YouTube had announced their remastering project. The K-pop girl group released a remake of S.E.S.'s Dream Come true under this project.

This remix of the 1998 hit, with its enrapturing music video, aims to revive the history of the K-Pop genre for all enthusiasts. A revival of the genre is indeed something all K-Pop fans look forward to as they get a chance to explore and enjoy the past.

About the author

Shania Carol Gideon is a content writer who knows her way around a headline—and a comeback teaser. With a background in marketing and storytelling, she brings a fresh, engaging voice to all things K-pop. She believes in strong coffee, clean edits, and the emotional rollercoaster of every album drop. Off the clock, she’s probably watching her favorite shows or training her dog to sit.

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