"Supernova" is a song recorded by South Korean girl groupAespa for their first studio albumArmageddon. It was released bySM Entertainment on May 13, 2024, as thelead single from the album. Written byKenzie and composed by her alongside Paris Alexa andDem Jointz, it is adance andhyperpop song that incorporateship-hop andEDM with lyrics comparing Aespa's expanded world view to a supernova.
On April 22, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Aespa would be releasing their first studio album titledArmageddon. It was also announced that the album would feature two title tracks: "Supernova" and "Armageddon", with the former releasing on May 13 and the latter, along with the album, on May 27.[1] On May 10, the track listing was revealed alongside a highlight medley teaser video.[2] Two days later, the music video teaser was released.[3] "Supernova" was released along with its music video on May 13.[4]
On September 20,ScreaM Records released the remix version of "Supernova" by Canadian musicianGrimes alongside the remixes of "Armageddon", under the 33rd volume of the series iScreaM.[5]
"Supernova" was written and composed byKenzie, with Paris Alexa contributing to the composition, andDem Jointz participating in both the composition and arrangement. The track samples the 1982 tune, "Planet Rock", by American hip hop artistsAfrika Bambaataa andSoulsonic Force.[6] Described as adance andhyper-pop song characterized by "heavy kick and bass", "catchy top line", and "synth melody" with lyrics about "Aespa's expanded world view by comparing the beginning of an event that opens a door to another dimension to a supernova, expressing the beginning of a big explosion".[7][8] "Supernova" was composed in thekey ofB minor, with atempo of 120 beats per minute.[9]
Gil Kaufman ofBillboard, described the track as "the dance floor-ready" fusion of "hip-hop beats,EDM rhythms and smoothpop vocals".[7]Uproxx's Derrick Rossignol characterized "Supernova" as a "cross-genre banger" that combines "elements of pop, dance, hip-hop, andelectronic music into one cohesive package".[10]
"Supernova" debuted at number eight on South Korea'sCircle Digital Chart in the chart issue dated May 12–18, 2024,[11] ascending to number one in the following week.[12] The song also debuted on theBillboardSouth Korea Songs in the chart issue dated May 25, 2024,[13] ascending to number one in the following week.[14] The song achieved theperfect all-kill status, where a song simultaneously reaches number one on the real-time, daily, and weekly components ofiChart.[15] In Japan, the song debuted at number 26 on theBillboard Japan Hot 100 in the chart issue dated May 22, 2024,[16] ascending to number 25 in the following week.[17] On theOricon Combined Singles Chart, the song debuted at number 24 in the chart issue dated May 27, 2024.[18]
In Singapore, "Supernova" debuted at number 28 on theRIAS Top Streaming Chart and number 11 on the Top Regional Chart in the chart issue dated May 10–16, 2024,[19] ascending to number six on the Top Streaming Chart and number two on the Top Regional Chart in the following week.[20] In Hong Kong, the song debuted at number 15 on theBillboardHong Kong Songs in the chart issue dated May 25, 2024,[21] ascending to number one in the following week.[22] In Taiwan, the song debuted at number six on theBillboard Taiwan Songs in the chart issue dated May 25, 2024,[23] ascending to number two in the following week.[24] In Indonesia, the song debuted at number 14 on theBillboard Indonesia Songs in the chart issue dated June 1, 2024.[25] In Malaysia, the song debuted at number ten on theBillboard Malaysia Songs in the chart issue dated June 1, 2024.[26]
In United States, "Supernova" debuted at number five on theBillboardWorld Digital Song Sales in the chart issue dated May 25, 2024.[27] In New Zealand, "Supernova" debuted at number 20 on theRMNZ Hot Singles in the chart issue dated May 20, 2024,[28] ascending to number 12 in the following week.[29] In United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 33 on theOCC'sUK Singles Download Chart,[30] andUK Singles Sales Chart in the chart issue dated May 17–23, 2024.[31] In Netherlands, the song debuted at number 17 on theGlobal Top 40 in the chart issue dated May 27, 2024.[32] In Argentina, the song debuted at number 50 on theBillboard Argentina Hot 100 in the chart issue dated June 1, 2024.[33] Globally, the song debuted at number 50 on theBillboardGlobal 200,[34] and number 23 on theBillboardGlobal Excl. U.S. in the chart issue dated May 25, 2024,[35] ascending to number 19 on the Global 200,[36] and number seven on the Global Excl. U.S. in the following week.[37] The song peaked at number 17 on the Global 200,[38] and number six on the Global Excl. U.S. the following week[39]
The music video directed by Ha Junghoon (Hattrick),[40] was released on May 13, 2024, alongside the song.[10] On the same day, it was announced that the music video had surpassed 10 million views within 10 hours.[10]
The "futuristic" music video shows Aespa in "dynamic and witty characterizations",[41] displaying theirsuperpowers throughout the city.[10] It features each member possessing an "otherworldly power" - Karina's super strength, Ningning's control over fire, Winter's floating in the air and Giselle's time-looping.[6] The visual starts with Karina surviving a fall from way high up onto a car. Moments later, she leaves the shattered vehicle unharmed.[10] Other scenes include the member "ripping the side mirrors off parked cars, flashing [her] vampire fangs and lifting up vehicles with one hand".[7]
Additionally,AI technology was used to move still photos of Aespa's faces in synergy with the lyrics of the song.[42] Member Ningning revealed that she "laughed so much when [she] saw the AI scene", describing it as "not something you expect". The singer also realized that "even in a world where AI covers and AI-anything are so popular", the technology will not be able to "replicate our expressions and the temperatures of humans".[43]
Following the release of "Supernova", on May 13, 2024, Aespa performed on fourmusic programs in the first week of promotion:Mnet'sM Countdown on May 16,[44] andKBS'sMusic Bank on May 17,[45]MBC'sShow! Music Core on May 18,[46] andSBS'sInkigayo on May 19.[47] In the second and final week of promotion, they performed on four music programs:M Countdown on May 23,[48]Music Bank on May 24,[49]Show! Music Core on May 25,[50] andInkigayo on May 26,[51] where they won first place for three appearances exceptMusic Bank.
^The Entop Awards were created to internally select and celebrate the best cases among the numerous IPs and technological innovations presented byKakao Entertainment as a company encompassing music, stories, and media throughout the year, as well as projects that led to the company's growth.
^K-Music and Arts Film Festival (KMAFe), a not-for-profit, is inspired by the popularity of K-Pop and demand to host its annual music video film festival to further showcase the innovative and high-quality cinema in the world of music and film.[60]
^Kim, Myung-mi (April 22, 2024)."역대급 스케일" 에스파 첫 정규앨범 'Armageddon' 5월27일 발매[공식] [Aespa's first full-length album 'Armageddon' released on May 27th with "largest scale ever" [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Yoon, Sang-geun (May 10, 2024).'컴백' 에스파 6월 서울 콘서트 전석 매진..티켓파워 입증[공식] ['Comeback' Aespa June Seoul concert sold out..Ticket power proven [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Ahn, Tae-hyun (May 12, 2024).에스파, 신곡 '슈퍼노바' MV 티저 공개...힙한 비주얼 '눈길' [Aespa releases MV teaser for new song 'Supernova'...Hip visual 'eye catching'] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Ye-eun (May 13, 2024).에스파, '슈퍼노바' 오늘(13일) 선공개...강력한 쇠맛 선사 [Aespa, pre-release of 'Supernova' today (13th)...Provides a strong iron taste] (in Korean). Xports News.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Do-hyung (September 20, 2024)."에스파, 메가 히트곡 '슈퍼노바'·'아마겟돈' 리믹스 버전 나온다" [Aespa to Release Remix Versions of Mega Hits 'Supernova' and 'Armageddon'].Munhwa News (in Korean). RetrievedSeptember 29, 2024.
^Jeon, Hyo-jin (May 13, 2024).에스파, '쇠파민' 폭발 예고...오늘(13일) '슈퍼노바' 선공개 [DA:투데이] [Aespa predicts explosion of 'dopamine'...'Supernova' pre-release today (13th) [DA: Today]] (in Korean). Sports Donga.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Go, Seung-ah (May 27, 2024).에스파, 오늘 '아마겟돈' 출격...선주문 102만장 돌파 [Aespa, sortie for 'Armageddon' today...Pre-orders exceed 1.02 million copies] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. RetrievedMay 31, 2024 – via Naver.
^abオリコン 週間 合算シングルランキング – 2022年04月25日付 [Oricon Weekly Total Single Ranking – Published for May 27, 2024].Oricon (in Japanese). May 13–19, 2024.Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. RetrievedMay 26, 2024.
^Jeong, Ha-eun (May 16, 2024).에스파, '엠카' 사전 녹화 중 화재..."인명피해는 無, 윈터 생방 불참"[공식] [Aespa fires during pre-recording of 'M Countdown'..."No casualties, no participation in Winter Live Broadcast" [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Seoul.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Ji, Min-kyung (May 17, 2024).'뮤직뱅크' 세븐틴, 1위 '인기 질주'..에스파·제로베이스원 컴백 [종합] ['Music Bank' Seventeen, 1st place 'Running away in popularity'..Aespa and Zerobaseone comeback [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. RetrievedMay 17, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Ha-na (May 18, 2024).임영웅 파워ing..'음악중심' 출연없이 1위, 에스파 제로베이스원 컴백[종합] [Lim Young-woong Powering..1st place without appearing on 'Music Core', Aespa, Zerobaseone comeback [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. RetrievedMay 18, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kang, Joo-hee (May 19, 2024).지코X제니 '스팟!' 2주 연속 '인기가요' 1위 [Zico 1st place on 'Inkigayo' for 2 weeks in a row] (in Korean). Ilgan Sports.Archived from the original on May 19, 2024. RetrievedMay 19, 2024 – viaNaver.
^abJung, Eun-young (May 25, 2024)."4세대 기강 제대로"...에스파, '슈퍼노바' 1위 앵콜 라이브로 실력파 걸그룹 입증 ["Proper 4th generation discipline"...Aespa proves to be a talented girl group with 'Supernova' No. 1 encore live] (in Korean). Top Star News.Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. RetrievedMay 26, 2024 – via Nate.
^Lee, Nam-hee (May 24, 2024).[뮤직뱅크] 에스파, 쇠맛 매력으로 독보적 존재감 과시...'Supernova'로 2위 [[Music Bank] Aespa shows off his unrivaled presence with his iron-flavored charm... 2nd place with 'Supernova'] (in Korean). KBS Entertainment News.Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. RetrievedMay 26, 2024 – viaNaver.
^abLee, Ha-na (May 25, 2024).'음악중심' 에스파 'Supernova' 막방 앞두고 1위..원어스·JD1 컴백[종합] ['Music Core' Aespa's 'Supernova' takes first place ahead of the final broadcast..Oneus, JD1 comeback [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. RetrievedMay 26, 2024 – viaNaver.
^abHa, Ji-won (May 26, 2024).에스파 '슈퍼노바' 활동 막방서 1위→시원한 앵콜 라이브 "마이 덕분" (인기가요) [Aespa's 'Supernova' promotions ended in 1st place → Cool encore live "Thanks to My" (Inkigayo)] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. RetrievedMay 26, 2024 – viaNaver.
^abPark, Se-hyun (June 23, 2024).에스파, 뉴진스·지코 누르고 1위...라이즈·권은비 '컴백', 어땠나 (인기가요)[종합] [Aespa beats NewJeans and Zico to take first place...How was Riize and Kwon Eunbi's 'comeback' (Inkigayo) [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Xports News.Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. RetrievedJune 23, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Ha-na (May 28, 2025).쇠맛 파워 에스파, 본상 수상‥카리나·윈터 귀여운 웃참 릴레이[ASEA2025] [Iron-flavored power aespa won the main award.. Karina Winter Cute Laugh Relay [ASEA2025]].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 28, 2025. RetrievedMay 28, 2025.
^Lee, Seung-mi (February 23, 2025).에스파, 제1회 디 어워즈 3관왕 차지…‘올해의 노래’ 포함 [Aespa, Wins 3 Awards at the 1st D Awards…Including 'Song of the Year'].Sports Dong-a (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2025.
^Lee Ju-Young (December 24, 2024)."카카오엔터, 사내 연말 시상식 'ENTOP AWARDS 2024' 개최" [Kakao Entertainment Holds Internal Year-End Awards Ceremony 'ENTOP AWARDS 2024'] (in Korean). SMARTTODAY.Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. RetrievedDecember 29, 2024.
^Park Jeong-seon (January 5, 2025)."[39회 골든] 초신성이 된 에스파, 음원 부문 대상 영예…축제 앞서 애도의 시간" [[39th Golden] aespa, who became a supernova, honored with the grand prize in the music category… Time of mourning before the festival].JTBC News.Archived from the original on January 5, 2025. RetrievedJanuary 5, 2025.
^Jang, Ju-yeon (November 17, 2024).에스파, 최다 스트리밍 음원 주인공...스키즈·세븐틴·임영웅도 수상[2024 KGMA] [Aespa, Most Streamed Song...Stray Kids, Seventeen, Lim Young Woong Also Won Awards [2024 KGMA]].Ilgan Sports (in Korean).Archived from the original on November 17, 2024. RetrievedNovember 17, 2024.
^Kim, Soo-jung (February 28, 2025).한대음 올해의 음반은, 단편선 순간들 '음악만세'…에스파·이승윤 3관왕 [Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble's album of the year, short story moments, 'Hail to the Music'...Aespa and Lee Seungyoon won three awards] (in Korean).No Cut News.Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 28, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Park, Seo-yeon (November 30, 2024).에스파, 대상 3개 싹쓸이 '7관왕'...(여자)아이들, 대상 소감 중 "재계약 완료" 발표 [MMA 2024](종합) [Aespa wins 7 awards, sweeping 3 grand prizes...(G)I-DLE announces "contract renewal completed" during grand prize speech [MMA 2024] (comprehensive)] (in Korean). My Daily. RetrievedNovember 30, 2024 – viaNaver.
^"ミセス・INI・ME:I「MTV VMAJ」出演決定 各部門の受賞作品も発表【一覧】" [Mrs. Green Apple, INI, and ME:I will appear in MTV VMAJ, Awards for each category will also be announced (list)].Modelpress (in Japanese). ModelPress. February 7, 2025. Archived fromthe original on February 10, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 10, 2025.
^TMElive官方微博: 2024TMEA 腾讯音乐娱乐盛典 音乐典礼完整荣誉名单公布! [TMElive official Weibo: 2024TMEA Tencent Music Entertainment Festival Music Ceremony Full Honor List Announced!].Weibo (in Chinese). July 21, 2024.Archived from the original on July 27, 2025. RetrievedJuly 27, 2025.
^Ji, Min-kyung (June 16, 2024).'인기가요' 에스파, 에스파 꺾고 1위..슈주·나연·선미 컴백 [종합] ['Inkigayo' Aespa defeats Aespa to take first place...Suju, Nayeon, Sunmi comeback [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. RetrievedJune 16, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Lim, Ye-bin (May 30, 2024).에스파, '쇠일러문' 열기ing...'아마겟돈'도 '엠카' 1위 [Espa, opening 'Seuilermun'...'Armageddon' also ranked 1st on 'M Countdown'] (in Korean). Celuv Media.Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. RetrievedMay 31, 2024 – viaNate.
^Yoon, Sang-geun (June 14, 2024).'뮤뱅' 에스파 '슈퍼노바' 방송출연 없이 1위..뉴진스 막방[★밤TView] ['MuBang' Aespa 'Supernova' takes first place without appearing on TV..NewJeans' last show [★Night TView]] (in Korean). Star News.Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. RetrievedJune 14, 2024 – viaNaver.
^2024 올해의 국내 싱글 [2024 Domestic Single of the Year].IZM (in Korean). December 8, 2024.Archived from the original on December 9, 2024. RetrievedDecember 16, 2024.
^Dutta, Debashree (December 23, 2024)."10 Best K-pop Songs of 2024".Rolling Stone India.Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 1, 2025.
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