British newspaper Financial Times listed aespa as the only K-pop Act in its “Most Influential Women of 2023” list
On November 30, British newspaper Financial Times revealed its list of “Most Influential Women of 2023”, a compilation that aims to honor “exceptional women” from various fields, selected through consultation of hundreds of journalists.
To the surprise of K-Pop music fans, the familiar name of aespa is included in this list of 25, showing the group’s immense impacts that “have pushed the boundaries of K-pop”.
In addition, regarding the achievements and the significance of aespa, Choi Yoojin, co-curator of the exhibition “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” stated, “While the top tiers of the Korean charts have been dominated by boy bands, a new wave of girl groups has been climbing the ranks. In the two years since they released their first album, aespa have set and then broken a series of records for K-pop girl groups, becoming the first to pass one million first-week sales with three consecutive albums, as well as playing Coachella and launching a world tour.”
“With their experimentally layered instrumentation and fiery vocals accompanied by their sci-fi punk AI avatar counterparts (the “ae” in aespa refers to “avatar” and “experience”), aespa have pushed the boundaries of K-pop.” the expert also said.
It is known that aespa is the only K-Pop artist honored in Financial Time’s list, alongside many other notable figures such as Beyoncé, Margot Robbie, the First Lady of Ukraine – Olena Zelenska, and Nobel Peace Winner and activist – Narges Hammadi.
Source: Financial Times
