Fans of aespa, the groundbreaking K-pop girl group, arrived early at Newark’s Prudential Center on February 11, buzzing with excitement for the group’s highly anticipated concert. The energy was immense as the venue filled with MYs (aespa’s fandom), eager to witness the quartet’s first-ever performance in the city. To the fortune of KpopWise, aespa became the first K-pop act at Prudential Center to allow media and photo passes, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening we were delighted to capture.
The concert kicked off with a powerful intro, as aespa emerged to the dramatic beats of 'Drama', instantly captivating the audience. They seamlessly transitioned into their debut hit, 'Black Mamba', setting the tone for a night of high-energy performances and flawless choreography. After a visually stunning VCR segment, the group returned to the stage with 'Supernova', a fan-favorite track that had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.
Photo Cr. Thomas Ma // KpopWise The second VCR segment paved the way for the members’ solo performances, showcasing their individual artistry. Giselle took the stage first with 'Dopamine', delivering a sultry and confident performance complete with a couch as her prop. Karina followed with 'UP', rocking her iconic headband look and radiating high-energy charisma. Ningning then wowed the audience with 'Bored', displaying her impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Winter closed out the solos with 'Spark', delivering a mesmerizing performance that began with a stunning silhouette on the screen. She was the only member to utilize the catwalk, adding an extra layer of dynamism to her stage presence.
One of the night’s highlights was a rock version of 'Next Level', which injected a fresh, edgy twist into the fan-favorite track. While the absence of a live band was noticeable, the group’s powerful vocals and stage presence more than compensated. The concert reached its climax with 'Armageddon', leaving the audience craving more.
Photo Cr. Thomas Ma // KpopWise During the encore, Giselle shared a heartfelt moment with fans, revealing that she had felt a little unwell at the start of the show but was uplifted by the overwhelming support and cheers from the crowd. The group closed the night with 'Life’s Too Short', their first English song, leaving fans with a feel-good anthem to carry home.
Before bidding farewell, aespa left Newark with a memorable message: “Newark, peace out!” The concert was a testament to the group’s versatility, charisma, and connection with their fans. From powerful performances to intimate moments with Mys, aespa proved why they’re one of K-pop’s most innovative and beloved acts. Newark will undoubtedly be waiting for their return.
Check out the photo gallery here!
Photography by Thomas Ma @thomasma__
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