Response to Reference in aespa ‘Supernova’ Music Video Sparks Debate: ‘This Is Kinda Disgusting…’

Response to Reference in aespa ‘Supernova’ Music Video Sparks Debate: ‘This Is Kinda Disgusting…’

[TW: The following article discusses suicide.]

Korean netizens have been expressing mixed reactions to a reference made in aespa’s music video for “Supernova.”

On May 13, 2024, aespa released the music video for “Supernova,”a pre-release single from their highly anticipated studio album. The video quickly gained millions of views and fans were quick to praise both the song and the stunning visuals of the four members.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phuiiNCxRMg

Despite this, a certain portion of the music video has elicited varying responses.

A post titled “The first scene in aespa’s ‘Supernova’ paid tribute to ‘The Most Beautiful Suicide’”was uploaded to TheQoo, a popular South Korean community forum, on May 14, 2024.

The opening shot of the music video features a car parked outside a building. Suddenly, Karina’s body falls from above and lands on the car. The camera then shows her lying on the car, with one hand behind her head and the other placed gracefully across her stomach. Her legs are crossed as she lies, with her eyes initially closed before she begins to sing.

Evelyn McHale’s final photograph has become known as “the most beautiful suicide in the world,”depicting the tragic events of May 1, 1947. At the young age of 23, she jumped from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, ultimately landing on a car that cushioned her fall. Despite the incredible height, she showed no signs of immediate injury, with no visible blood or broken bones.

Despite her wishes to be forgotten after her passing, Evelyn McHale’s suicide became widely known after a passing student took a photo of her body. This photo has been referenced by various artists, shows, movies, and popular media throughout the years, keeping her memory alive. In her suicide note, McHale expressed her desire for no one to see her, but the photo has made her a lasting figure in history.

The photo referenced by aespa garnered a variety of responses from Korean netizens. Some pointed out that Evelyn McHale would not have welcomed the attention, making it disrespectful to use her image. Others were disturbed and disgusted by the lack of acknowledgement of the suicide aspect. Many Korean netizens expressed confusion over the idea of glamorizing suicide as beautiful.

Several comments were written,

  • “Humans are so weird.”
  • “I just don’t understand how someone can call a suicide beautiful and praise it… Even if it’s art, it’s still a taboo subject.”
  • “Why would anyone do this?”
  • “Did the director flat out say it was an homage? I don’t know, so I am just asking. I thought she just crashed on the car because she’s an alien and she’s heavy…”
  • “But when I saw that part, I did this of suicide… Maybe this is why.”
  • “This is so creepy and bizarre. The picture was so shocking.”
  • “Rest in peace.”
  • “This is kinda disgusting.”

What is your opinion on the situation? Share with us in the comments section!

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