© HeraldK

Global K-pop sensation aespa is back and building anticipation for their upcoming comeback with a stunning new performance video for “Dirty Work” – shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro. Released on June 9, the video serves as a powerful teaser ahead of the group’s official comeback later this month. Part of Apple’s acclaimed “Shot on iPhone” campaign, the clip fuses aespa’s signature energy with cinematic visuals, offering fans a bold first taste of what’s to come.

© SM Entertainment

Following director Park Chan-wook’s short film “Life Is But a Dream” (2022) and NewJeans’ playful “ETA” music video (2023), aespa’s “Dirty Work” performance video represents the latest evolution in Apple’s creative series in Korea. Titled “Shot on iPhone,” the campaign aims to highlight the professional-level capabilities of the iPhone camera – this time, with the power of K-pop choreography in the spotlight.

© Apple Korea

For aespa’s “Dirty Work”, the entire performance video was shot using the iPhone 16 Pro, with key “killing parts” captured in 4K120 slow motion. The result is a powerful blend of high energy, dramatic effects, and impeccable visual detail – proof that you don’t need heavy-duty equipment to achieve cinematic quality.

© SM Entertainment

The video opens with the four aespa members sneaking into a dark, abandoned factory, setting a moody tone that quickly erupts into a burst of movement and energy. The formerly empty space becomes a stage filled with rhythm, tension, and synchronized choreography. From tightly executed dance breaks to explosive moments – like fireworks going off in slow motion – the 4K120 high-resolution, high-frame-rate recording captures every detail. Playback speed adjustments add a heightened dramatic flair to each move, giving fans the immersive visual experience they’ve come to expect from aespa.

© Instagram @aespa_official

To complement the main video, Apple has also released a 30-second behind-the-scenes clip and a set of 15-second how-to videos that explain how the performance video was made. These are being shared across TV, digital platforms, Apple Korea’s YouTube, and Apple’s global Instagram. The how-to clips demonstrate how to shoot real choreography in 4K120 and how to adjust playback speed in post-editing to create professional-grade slow motion effects. With just two simple taps, fans can recreate aespa-style visuals using only their iPhone 16 Pro – making K-pop-style performance videos more accessible than ever.

© SM Entertainment

The official release of “Dirty Work” is just around the corner, with the comeback scheduled for June 27. The single will include three tracks: the Korean version of the title track, an English version, and an instrumental. The physical album will also be available for purchase, with pre-orders already open both online and offline.

© Instagram @aespa_official

On June 5, aespa amped up anticipation by dropping a teaser clip across their social media channels. The teaser featured molten metal flowing to form the “Dirty Work” logo – a bold, industrial visual that hints at the concept’s edgy, metallic aesthetic. The official website also went live the same day.

© SM Entertainment

aespa has been riding a wave of momentum in 2024. Their first full-length album “Armageddon” made a strong statement with the message “Only I can define myself,” further solidifying the group’s identity and artistic direction. They also made waves with “Whiplash”, a techno EDM track that marked their first foray into the genre and became another mega-hit. aespa’s recent accolades include major awards and global recognition, setting the stage for a high-impact return.

© Billboard

Between the innovative use of iPhone 16 Pro for their pre-release video and the growing buzz around their upcoming single, aespa’s comeback with Dirty Work is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in K-pop this summer. The fusion of sleek technology and bold performance perfectly captures the spirit of both Apple and aespa – visionary, trend-setting, and unapologetically dramatic.

With fans eagerly awaiting the official release, all eyes are on aespa to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in their ever-evolving story.