sm entertainment recently released a new video that expands on the story of the SM Culture Universe (the SMCU).
Here is your friendly guide to the history of the SM culture universe and the “KWANGYA” universe
Although the SMCU focuses heavily on aespa and their Aes (alter-egos), groups like Super M Y NCT2020 helped introduce some of SMCU’s major concepts like “KWANGYA” and “KOSMOS”.
From then on, aespa began to immerse itself in knowledge through its video clips. In its music videos, aespa constantly shows its relationship with its virtual avatars, who have even accompanied aespa on stage.
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ÆSPA members interacting with their own Æ, we could say that this is an extraordinary performance. so please give ÆSPA lots of love and support so that we can give another wonderful performance in the future pic.twitter.com/vTv9iS8orJ
— Irish (@kebosen) December 11, 2020
Since its debut, aespa has been battling SMCU’s villain, the “Black Mamba”.
Fans believe that their upcoming music video “Next Level” was meant to show the members getting stronger for their next confrontation with the villain.
And they believe that the music video for “Savage” demonstrates aespa’s confidence in finally defeating the “Black Mamba” as they have weakened it.
With aespa preparing for the return Girlsset to release on July 8, fans are curious as to how the SMCU story will continue.
And in apparent preparation for the return, SMCU’s new video provides a more detailed explanation of aespa’s role in the story. At the beginning of the video, aespa travels to the “KWANGYA” to find out why the Ae are disappearing in the “REAL WORLD”, thanks to the help of Naevis.
While exploring the “KWANGYA”, the members board a train that Giselle he feels apprehensive after reading “Black Mamba” on the sign.
And of course, the members meet the SMCU villain once again, who seemingly isolates the four, targeting them at specific scenarios like their insecurities and criticism from others.
While SMCU is a world of captivating storylines, fans couldn’t help but notice that Black Mamba’s targeted attacks are representative of the struggles all K-Pop idols face on a daily basis.
karina He faces his own insecurities. Surrounded by mirrors and listening to phrases like “karina is mature” Y “I trust you Karen”, Karina is likely to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the expectations that others have for her.
Karina’s Ae, controlled by Black Mamba, even taunts her, suggesting that the Ae is “the perfect me that [Karina wants] be be.”
Karina: Who are you?
Karina’s yes: Me? I am you and the perfect me that you want to be.
Karina: What does that mean?
Karina’s yes: Karina, how long did you think I would stay by your side? You uploaded data you like on social networks. And I was created with only your best qualities. I am the perfect version of you that you always wanted to be. Do you think you’ll still look the way you do when you’re older? What will happen when you get sick? You will change over time. But I will always be perfect.
And while there are interesting implications that the Ae are created from aespa’s social media posts, highlighting the “best qualities” who want to show as idols…
Many fans also realize that the fear of constantly having to look perfect and not being able to live up to fans’ expectations is undoubtedly something that K-Pop idols have to struggle with.
Similarly, Winter she is surrounded by strangers who gossip about her, spread malicious lies about her character.
Weird: I heard she’s not that nice.
Weird: Really?
Weird: I heard someone…
Weird: Did you find out what?
Weird: Don’t you think she doesn’t need to be there?
There are always rumors and gossip surrounding public figures. Just like Winter in SMCU, it must be scary for idols whose careers depend on public opinion to hear all the fake gossip.
The Black Mamba attack on Giselle It further demonstrates the hardships K-Pop idols have to endure to pursue their passion, as Giselle is surrounded by cameras taking photos of her every move.
Even when Giselle screams, the crowd surrounds her, grabbing her ankles, showing the lack of privacy K-Pop idols are allowed to have, as they are constantly being photographed.
Unlike the rest of aespa, Ning NingThe scene seems almost joyous at first, with cute emojis surrounding her, probably representing the love and support of her fans through social media.
But those emojis quickly turn ugly and represent online trolls leaving hate comments, criticizing anything about idols.
NingNing covers her ears in a desperate attempt to block out negative comments about her.
While fans can expect what Girls will be added to the history of SMCU, where it seems that they will once again fight against the “Black Mamba…”
This closer look at the SMCU is a sad representation of all the struggles K-Pop idols must endure on a daily basis to pursue their dreams.
These scenes are so full of deep meanings. The way their lore mirrors what the public does to them, especially in this app. aespa faces different types of cyberbullying, self-doubt, gossip and toxic media. The message of your tradition is so strong and timely in this society. pic.twitter.com/TQxXOglm3q
— NOÈ (@aesleven) June 20, 2022
You can see the full video here.
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