As girl group aespa enters its third year since debuting in 2020, fans are raising questions about the group's absence from coveted Master of Ceremonies (MC) roles on popular music shows and events.

In contrast, even their company junior, RIIZE's Sohee, has recently been confirmed as an MC for M!Countdown, leading to increased curiosity about aespa's overlooked opportunity.

Luxurious Image or Strategic Decision?

Speculation abounds as to why aespa, despite being seasoned performers, has not been chosen for MC roles. Some fans suspect that SM Entertainment's emphasis on projecting a luxurious and mysterious image for the group might be a contributing factor.

However, opinions among netizens are divided on whether this choice aligns with the current stage of aespa's career.

"I think they are way too far in their career to be music show MCs now. Since they're at the stage where they're touring, they probably won't do so even more," remarked one fan, suggesting that aespa's focus on touring may overshadow their potential role as MCs.

Another fan countered this viewpoint, arguing, "To say that they are too far into their career, many male idols continue to MC even with experience."

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Industry Norms and Fan Desires

Comparisons with other girl groups, such as ITZY, who had members take on MC roles early in their careers, further fuel the debate. Some fans express the desire to see aespa diversify into variety shows rather than traditional MC positions, with references to Girls' High School Mystery Class featuring Yuna.

Despite differing opinions, there is a consensus among fans that seeing aespa as MCs, even as guest MCs, would be a welcome development.

Netizens' Reaction

Here are some netizens' reactions sourced from the online platform Instiz regarding the controversy surrounding the girl group aespa: 

"I looked forward to it alone and was disappointed..."
"Even though I'm not a fan, I thought it was a spoiler because it was a random challenge,"
"I guess the broadcasting company didn't want it"
"I don't like it~~"
"But I wish Espa would go on variety shows rather than MC. Haha, because the kids are fun. Haha, like Yena from Yeocho Class"
"That's a different stone and not Espa. If I kept comparing it to other stones, I would have ordered it a long time ago"
"The timing probably wasn't right. It's not that they didn't do it. Of course, the casting came in"

Comments on online platforms suggest that while some believe it's up to the broadcasters to decide, others hope for the right timing for aespa to step into the MC spotlight.

Furthermore, as aespa's career progresses, fans remain eager to witness the group take on new challenges, with the hope that MC opportunities will soon be a part of their growing repertoire in the entertainment industry.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.