An S Tier Performance: aespa Bring Their All To Prudential Center
If I could describe 2024 in one word, it would be aespa. Members KARINA, GISELLE, WINTER, and NINGNING have dominated the cultural zeitgeist with electrifying performances and their honey-like vocals. And though their music content has been quite the treat, nothing comes close to seeing aespa’s musical genius on stage. And if you were lucky enough to have caught them at the SYNK: HYPER LINE tour in 2023, it becomes immediately clear that this go around, a whole new aespa is commanding the stage. Embarking on their second world tour, the quartet made a stop at Newark’s Prudential Center on February 11. Here, EnVi was on the ground to give you all the details on aespa’s sold out SYNK: PARALLEL LINE show.
aespa Bring All the Drama
It has been highly contested between fans which record really drew the general public back to aespa — however: the group has been on an impressive run. Dropping versatile titles like “Spicy” and “Drama,” they prove that they can’t be boxed in. Leveraging the industry’s best, the music has credits from heavy hitters like DemJointz and Kenzie. The tides truly turned when the quartet released “Supernova.” The intergalactic pre-release single was drip fed to fans with a series of choreography videos, cryptic messaging, and meme-like shorts. If there was any time to be convinced of aliens, aespa’s “Supernova” era was it. The wacky yet extraterrestrial visuals paired with an even whittier choreography made the track the song of the year — Literally. So when they hit the gas releasing their debut studio album Armageddon they cemented themselves as 2024’s group of the year. And if it wasn’t enough for fans, aespa spun the block again with their 5th mini album Whiplash and title track of the same name. A complete 180 from “Supernova” and “Armageddon.” “Whiplash” was chic, sexy, fierce and deserving of a runway debut. Truly. So when the band embarked on their second world tour, fans here in the states were itching to hear the new music.
A New aespa, in the Real World
If you were like me, you’ve been watching aespa from their pre-debut days to now. Prior to the release of “Spicy,” aespa were the subject of intense criticism from fans and onlookers alike for their performances. And while the still rookie group were going through the growing pains of debuting during a world-wide pandemic — they did not let that stop them from achieving greatness. Between the SYNK: HYPER LINE tour to SYNK: PARALLEL LINE, aespa and SM Entertainment prove they are dedicated to refining their performances and music. The members were dressed in dazzling white outfits, paired with glittering rhinestones, white heeled boots, and flawless makeup to match. Pictures truly do not do them justice. Starting their New Jersey concert with “Drama,” their moves were synchronized, powerful, and electrifying. And for all the “Drama” lovers, I know I couldn’t help myself from doing KARINA’s iconic bounce dance move. And if you wanted nostalgia, fans were fed a blast from the past with aespa’s 2020 debut “Black Mamba.” They followed this up with their equally infectious track “Salty and Sweet.”
And though I knew the concert was only just getting started, I still felt like I needed to catch my breath. aespa’s new and improved precision was palpable, putting their all into a performance of the 2024 hit “Supernova” (which went triple platinum in my books). The members were each dressed in pastel shining mini dresses. KARINA sported a white dress, GISELLE in lavender, WINTER in blue, and NINGNING in yellow. Their outfits glittered under the beaming intense lights. Atop of their dresses were silver chrome tops, which were then removed for their next songs “Mine,” “Die Trying,”“Flights, Not Feelings,” and “Better Things.” There was never a moment where the energy lulled for aespa, whose vocals were so strong. They sounded just like the studio recording. Of this section, “Flights, Not Feelings” was most certainly a highlight. The slick R&B track sees aespa deliver buttery smooth runs with effortless delivery and clever lyrics. Because I too, am trying to catch flights, not feelings.
Never Bored with Dazzling Solo Stages
On TikTok, it was hard for me not to come across a performance video of the aespa members performing their solo songs in Asian cities. It has become a staple within K-pop for every member of a group to be given a solo stage to perform either original music or a cover. And though these stages generally do not lead to official music releases, last year aespa set the internet (and South Korean music charts) ablaze when they released these songs across DSPs to fans’ surprise. The October 2024 EP was named SYNK: PARALLEL LINE after the namesake tour. And little did everyone know, that these songs would become hits landing members like KARINA, music show wins and a top placement across the Melon charts.
For aespa’s SYNK: PARALLEL LINE tour, I’d truly been doing everything in my power to avoid setlist spoilers, so I was dazzled seeing with my own two eyes, the power of aespa. Each performance was so vastly different, giving fans a taste of their musical prowess. Of the four members, GISELLE was the first to start with a performance of “Dopamine.” The sensual number unlocked new charms, taking a departure from the rapper’s more badass performances. Weaving in floorwork throughout the short dance routine, I had a newfound appreciation for the 24-year-old artist. It was banger after banger as KARINA was up next to perform her solo “UP.” The bouncy and upbeat track solidified KARINA as one of the 4th generation’s true it-girls. And while KARINA has always been a leader within the industry for her skills, it would be a straight up lie to not acknowledge just how much she’s grown – not only as a member of aespa, but also as a solo artist. So when KARINA and her dancers made their way to the stage, the aura was overflowing. Her vocal tone (a rare one within K-pop) paired well with fresh and trendy production, taking full advantage of hip-hop choreography.
Synk Parallel Line in Seattle #GISELLE – Dopamine FULL Fancam
— •ᴗ• (@aeriminded) January 29, 2025
cr. momo @ xhshttps://t.co/DN7F8FKUUA pic.twitter.com/grJxhlAd9l
Up – Karina #aespa_SYNK_PARALLELLINE #SYNK_PARALLELLINE_in_NEWARK pic.twitter.com/VhwtR88yj4
— うちは태연💗renamed ₐL♡ by Hyoyeon (@TaeyeonUchiha) February 16, 2025
After KARINA, came NINGNING, with a playful pop performance of her track “Bored!” As one of aespa’s main-vocals, she slowed things down with dream-like delivery. Like KARINA, in her pre-debut days, the Chinese SM Rookie NINGNING was at the center of conversation. As aespa’s maknae (youngest member), she’s always been one to deliver fierce performances. That much has been evident from her (and I mean it) immaculate performance across aespa’s music. If there was anything that could be taken from NINGNING’s performance, it is that she’s a star. There’s a certain confidence in which she commands the stage. Likely because she knows she’ll slay each and every single time. And last (but certainly not least) came WINTER who started her performance on the extended stage. She performed “Spark,” a wispy dance pop track, that has made several appearances on high profile award shows in Korea. WINTER and her dances resembled snow on a flower, dressed in all white. Taking a departure from her solo last tour, she trades ballads for more upbeat records. And it certainly pays off here. This time around, WINTER performed like she had something to prove. The stage became her canvas as she made use of cameras to enhance her performance. After it all I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I was in awe. And with the songs largely being in English, fans (who are not so proficient in Korean like myself) were able to sing along.
So Spicy on Stage
And just when I thought things couldn’t get hotter, aespa made it “Spicy.” Dressed in denim baggy jeans and a bedazzled pink hoodie, the quartet made sure to flex their duality. They moved through tracks like “Spicy” and “Hold On Tight,” to more upbeat numbers. Like “Live My Life,” and “We Go.” There was nothing better though, than the wealth of crowd interaction during these few songs. It is key to mention that they did little to no talking through their songs as ments (Moments in which K-pop idols stop their performance to talk to the crowd) are a vital part of K-pop concerts. These moments allow fans to connect with idols outside of the music. Even though these ments were rare throughout the show, aespa still took the time to engage with fans, pointing out funny signs, waving to fans, and even trying to catch the attention of fans in sections of the upper bowl of Prudential Center. This was essential, given that it’s been quite some time since the quartet got some facetime with their American fans. After all, they’ve been busy bees — juggling multiple comebacks, fashion week appearances, and an Asia tour.
aespa, You Will Always Be Famous
As aespa were preparing to wrap up the night, one can’t help but wish the set list was just a bit longer. And while MYs (The name of aespa’s fans) are familiar with her, Naevis is an AI within aespa’s lore who has assisted their “aes” in the real world. Their Metaverse concept has been carefully cultivated for the past few years from debut to now. And Naevis had a short performance with her debut song “Done.” The sultry track allowed for fans to get some downtime as many caught their breaths from the jam packed setlist. And when the intro to “Whiplash” began to play, fans rose from their seats, cheering for aespa’s return to stage after a short outfit change. Of course, in true aespa fashion, they donned form fitting black outfits, embellished with silver chrome detailing. Turning the arena into their own personal runway, they strutted down the extended stage delivering a fashion week worthy catwalk. “Set The Tone” was a fan favorite from the evening’s setlist. For this song, chairs splayed across the extended stage gave the performance something fresh as there were minimal production elements and sets to the show. They went on to perform “Next Level” and “Armageddon,” two heavy hitter songs that display the best of aespa’s girl crush charm.
As aespa brought their show to a close, they performed three more songs for fans. They delivered “aenergy,” “Just Another Girl,” and “Life’s Too Short” to fans at Prudential Center. And when the show was just about to end, the members took some time to speak to their fans. WINTER made sure to let everyone know she enjoyed her time in New Jersey. With a smile on her face, she became sentimental “I feel like I have to come back for sure… will you come back next time?” And though aespa has since completed their seven-stop run in the United States, they are already teasing new music and a comeback in the second half of 2025. So if they’ve proven anything at all to naysayers – it’s that they’re here, and they’re here to stay.
Looking to dig more into aespa? Read our review of their 5th mini album Whiplash here!
