SM Entertainment's representative said aespa is the key to the success of the company in the future. 

According to an interview held with SM Entertainments representatives on August 9th, SM Entertainment is expanding its business to web 3.0 area with 'Kwangya'. Starting with NFT-fying the SM passport, the company plans to shift its focus to metaverse to grow its business. 

Representative Lee Seong Soo commented, "SM Entertainment can produce successful artists 90% of the time. It is truly unprecedented to have so many superstars under one label. Our producing skills based on culture allowed us to render a successful business from IP".

While NCT bolstered the company's earnings last year, the company is looking forward to aespa's performance this year. Representative Lee continued, "aespa is the key to the success of the company in the coming days. Genrally, artists don't break even in the beginning of their career but aespa is setting records and making history as a girl group."

Meanwhile, netizens are skeptical. Some of the comments are: "While I do agree Kwangya is unique and new, SM should just keep it within aespa's concept. They are tiring out the fans by ignoring originality of other SM artists." 

"I think they are way out of touch. Indeed aespa succeeded, but SM is no longer a trend setter in the industry."

"Tbh I bet aespa will be way more successful if they didn't have a weird universe"

"Do all you want with merging the web 3.0 and entertainment but SM should know that they no longer appeal to younger generation. Their artists are too old except for aespa."