Aespa Says Giving ‘Strength to People’ Is More Important Than Career Achievements

If 2026 has given some people lemons, it’s been all lemonade for aespa. The SM Entertainment girl group released their second studio album, Lemonade, which hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and became their third top 10 on the chart. Plus, it’s title track — the rambunctious, attitude-filled “Lemonade” — hit No. 20 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.

Along with Stray Kids, Charlie Puth and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, aespa was one of the headliners at the second annual TMElive International Music Awards, which took place in Hong Kong from Aug. 22-23. Aside from giving the packed Kai Tak Stadium “Whiplash” and a taste of “Lemonade” — and receiving the best international group honor — the four-member group sat down with Billboard backstage to talk about their music and group dynamics.

“It’s just an honor that people listen to us and we hope more people listen to our music,” said Karina, in Korean through a translator, when asked about chart achievements. “If our music gives strength to many people, we’re satisfied with that alone. Rather than achievements, we feel more grateful that many people listened to it.”

“We just make music sincerely as ourselves,” says Winter. “And words like ‘this feels like aespa’ naturally attach to us. Every time we release music it follows us like an epithet, so we’re extremely grateful,” she added, also speaking through a translator. “It happened simply because we kept being true to ourselves.”

Speaking in English, Giselle added, “Confidence comes from the inside. Whether you really do feel it or not, what you portray is what it becomes. Even on your worst days, try to be confident,” she advised. “The effort still pays off.”

Watch more of Billboard’s aespa interview as part of our latest episode of Billboard All Access above.

Billboard’s travel and accommodations for the TIMA Honors were covered by Billboard China.