aespa has been distinguished as one of the 'Most Influential Women of 2023' by the 'Financial Times.' Their inclusion in this esteemed list positions them among an elite group of groundbreaking women who have made significant impacts across various fields in 2023. This list features luminaries such as the renowned singer and businesswoman Beyonce, acclaimed actor Margot Robbie, the Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelensky, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Hammadi.

The selection of aespa, known for their catchy music and innovative concepts, underscores their influence not just in the realm of music but also in shaping cultural and societal trends. Their recognition by the 'Financial Times' shows their global impact and the growing prominence of K-pop on the world stage.

In a special tribute to these extraordinary women, respected figures from various industries have contributed writings that highlight the significance and scope of their contributions. For aespa, Yoojin Choi, the co-curator of the “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, has penned an insightful piece.

She wrote, "Growing up in the late 1990s in South Korea, I would spend hours listening to SES, part of the first generation of Korean pop music. When I moved to the UK, my classmates barely knew Korea existed. Little did I expect that by 2023, K-pop would have blazed into the mainstream, becoming one of the most popular musical genres in the world. While the top tiers of the Korean charts have been dominated by boy bands, a new wave of girl groups has been climbing the ranks. In the two years since they released their first album, aespa have set and then broken a series of records for K-pop girl groups, becoming the first to pass one million first-week sales with three consecutive albums, as well as playing Coachella and launching a world tour. With their experimentally layered instrumentation and fiery vocals accompanied by their sci-fi punk AI avatar counterparts (the “ae” in aespa refers to “avatar” and “experience”), aespa have pushed the boundaries of K-pop."

You can find the full list and article here.

The 'Financial Times' is a British daily newspaper, owned by Japanese holding company, Nikkei. The newspaper is renowned for its in-depth analysis, authoritative insights, and a broad perspective on economic and political affairs worldwide.