251217 Teen Vogue named ‘Rich Man’ as one of the 15 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2025

• >It’s almost mind-blowing to think about the phenomenal run aespa’s been on these past two years. From “Spicy” all the way up to “Whiplash,” the quartet set out on a mission to secure their spot as one of the K-pop’s biggest girl groups of the new era. In 2025, the girls continued their domination with “Dirty Work” and “Rich Man,” the latter of which earned the group 10 first-place awards on South Korea’s music programs. But while the song is infectious and empowering on its own, let’s take a moment to appreciate the spectacular visuals that accompany it.

  >Taking inspiration from American singer Cher, who, in 1995, referred to herself in an interview as a “rich man,” aespa embodies the same confidence and independence needed to sell such a bold statement and video. We see the members take on and excel in predominantly male-dominated fields, including football, racing, and mechanics, hammering home the idea that they are their own providers and money-makers — a man can’t do for them what they’ve already done for themselves. “I’m my own biggest fan, and I’m high in demand / I’m a rich man,” NingNing and Winter fearlessly sing in the chorus.

  >From sweeping shots to Karina running across the football field to badass scenes of Winter fixing and holding up a car, it’s evident there was a clear direction for “Rich Man” to be and feel like aespa’s most feminist and formidable entry to date. Of course, knowing it was filmed and directed by the Korean production company Rigend Film makes a world of sense, given how dynamic and scopic it all feels. If there’s one thing aespa will do, it’s deliver unapologetic and daring anthems.

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