For those of you who have been living under a rock for this century, K-Pop is now a truly global phenomenon. It had its roots back in the early 1990s, but at this stage, it has rivalled most Pop Music that one can hear on the charts today. aespa is a girl group from South Korea, consisting of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. Seemingly ever since they were formed in 2020 formally, they have become increasingly popular worldwide, with a variety of hits such as Next Level, Black Mamba, Drama and Supernova. Given their prodigious work rate, this release should come as no surprise to fans of K-Pop and aespa. This EP was released on 5 September 2025, and an English version of this EP was also released, both from SM Entertainment. A huge amount of production was put into this EP, although it is centred around the four women of aespa. Without further hesitation, let’s take a listen to this EP, and we shall hear if it is any good.

1. Rich Man begins with some recorded phone dialogue stating that being rich is fabulous in a really weird way. It launches into a grungy, off-sounding piece of music. Sorry, this immediately sounds really bad. If this sort of music is popular today, then the world is certainly not going through a good phase in the music scene. With some of the worst sounds, production and lyrics made today, this is a shot in the foot for aespa. Even though these girls had some really good music earlier in their music career, this is appalling. Nothing wonderful or listenable is present on this, including lyrics about suicide and referencing one as a “rich man” from a lady’s perspective. Not good, music has done far better than this. Unpleasant overall.

2. Drift begins with some better sounds, but this sounds like aespa are running on empty on their music agenda. Clearly, these girls need a serious break from the music that they are making. This is a lot better than the track before it, but all the same, it sounds cheesy and corny throughout. This is simply not good enough to listen to. It says a lot when the B-sides on a release are way better than the A-side itself. At this point, aespa has become quite irrelevant musically. They are done. One can likely expect these four girls to go their separate ways after this release. Very poor music and nothing you would like to play in your own car. This isn’t as good as 2 Unlimited; this is just garbage.

3. Bubble begins with some weird clanking sounds, and is absolutely appalling. It has predictable beats, Korean lyrics and is just pure garbage to listen to. To be fair, you can probably stop this EP release and go and explore some more impressive albums or releases, even in the world of K-Pop. This is just not good enough to listen to. Period. Sampling a phone ringtone as well is really pathetic, and there is absolutely no value to this music. One can see the beginning of the end for aespa. Blackpink may have a future; aespa do not. A poor listen overall. The sounds are very unimaginative as well.

4. Count On Me is another poor song on this EP. It’s a little better than what came before it, but still sounds forgettably appalling. A really sad listen, as this melancholy tune isn’t the best, and one can hear the end coming for these girls. This tune is actually okay, but otherwise, you are free to write off this EP as K-Pop/Electronic junk music that will not survive or be remembered in five years. Seriously, these ladies deserve a lot better than this. Enough to make one bang their head against the wall, this is a mediocre listen throughout. Perhaps proof that music is getting worse over time, the 21st century is showcasing some morbid and depressing music in popular culture. It’s okay, but nothing special.

5. Angel #48 begins with some weird vocal samples and electronic noises. This is actually quite good in comparison to the rest of the EP. It has some better sounds, beats and consistency about it all. aespa sounds much more confident and better on this tune. A very vibrant and interesting-sounding track. Obviously, SM Entertainment needs to refresh its K-Pop strategy as such. Again, these ladies need some better-crafted tunes. This is a good tune that should definitely be explored more. If there is a standout moment on this EP, it is this track. A very good listen for a girl group from Korea. This is much better than expected. The sounds, vocals and textures overall are really quite good. Nice song to hear.

6. To The Girls is the final track on this EP. It begins with some nicely mixed vocals and launches into a sweet, reassuring listen. Why on earth were the best tracks put last on this EP? It makes zero sense upon listening to find this out. Anyway, this is another good listen that sounds a bit like plastic. Seriously, whoever is doing the marketing for aespa needs to be fired. This is a better song with some nice editing and guitar riffs that sound very impressive. A good song, but nowhere near perfect at all. A good song, but nothing that is overall perfect. One can literally hear that aespa is working a formula throughout this EP. These ladies likely need a long hiatus from music to recharge their batteries and go forward. This is okay, but nothing sensational.

This EP is a profound disappointment to listen to. There is nothing truly special or amazing to find here. More importantly, this sounds like the beginning of the end for the girl group aespa. Yes, they have had far better music moments than this. It just seems that the corporate K-Pop machine has tied them to a lack of creativity and ability to progress. Should you listen to this EP? Nah, it’s not the best at all.

Deeply disappointing.

3/10

Best tracks: Angel #48.