(machine translation)

‘Dirty’ taste of iron… ‘Big hit’ anticipated [aespa comeback]

…Their agency SM Entertainment used the metaphor of a ‘blast furnace’ for this song, foreshadowing a more powerful ‘iron taste’.

…This time, aespa’s “the taste of iron” maintains a unique sound texture while attempting various variations. What stands out is that they tried the “alternative hip-hop” genre. Alternative hip-hop is characterized by combining various genres such as rap, jazz, and electronic beyond the existing boom bap and trap styles.

The genre covers independent themes such as society and self-reflection well in its lyrics and “Dirty Work” is no exception. “Sharp teeth/bite first” conveys a strong image like a lion biting first with sharp teeth, while “cold eyes/cold stare” conveys a message of oppressing others by staring at them with cold eyes.

Although aespa has released hip-hop-based dance songs such as 'Next Level,' 'Pink Hoodie' and 'Armageddon,' it is their first hip-hop song with a heavy sound like 'Dirty Work.' The lyrics are mostly in English. In fact, it is said to have been produced by an overseas producer, not Kenzie, who previously worked with aespa.

When it comes to aespa, intuitive performances are also a must. In their previous work ‘Whiplash’, they held the back of their neck to show a neck injury after a car accident, but this time, their ‘waist’ is emphasized. The waist is the center of the body and the symbol of balance. In ‘Dirty Walk’, the waist stands out from the choreography costumes to the camera angles. In conjunction with the title "Dirty Work," it is not just a sexy concept but a visual device that symbolizes strength and duty '책임' (?)

Japanese choreographer Renan, who produced the entire choreography of ‘Armageddon’ and was in charge of the main choreography for ‘Whiplash’, also contributed to the choreography for ‘Dirty Work’. In addition, famous choreographers who became known through Mnet's 'Street Fighter' series and 'Street Dance Girls Fighter', such as Song Heesoo, We Dem Boyz, Ri.hey, Lee BADA, and Latrice, also participated in large numbers.

…Culture critic Ha Jaegeun said in a positive light on aespa's comeback, “Most people release light and exciting songs in the summer. However, aespa seems to pursue individuality with a heavy musical atmosphere rather than following market trends,” and positively predicted aespa’s comeback, saying, “‘Dirty Work’ is a song that will continue aespa’s "tenacity / toughness.""