Aespa unveiled the trailer for their sixth mini-album, Rich Man, on August 25 at midnight KST. Titled "I Am a Rich Man," the nearly six-minute cinematic clip was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Ok-seop, all four members of Aespa: Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning, and actor Koo Kyo-hwan.
The trailer opens in a freezing warehouse bowling alley, where Koo Kyo-hwan's character shivers under crushing cold and mounting fear. Against this bleak backdrop, Aespa remains poised and unfazed, their calm expressions and deliberate movements creating a stark contrast that underscores the project's central theme: true richness stems not from material wealth but from the resilience of one's mindset.
Lee Ok-seop's direction has been praised for its striking visuals and careful framing. Fans noted the detailed performances, including Giselle's lines in Japanese and Ningning's Chinese dialogue, which add an unexpected multilingual layer to the narrative.
The trailer's atmospheric lighting and immersive sound design draw viewers deeper into the unfolding story, elevating it beyond a typical music teaser into what many have called a short film.
Aespa's Rich Man mini-album is scheduled for release on September 5 at 1 p.m. KST. It features six tracks, headlined by the title song of the same name, and carries the empowering slogan "I am enough as I am. I am a Rich Man." The group aims to redefine the idea of a "Rich Man" through a blend of dynamic visuals and energetic music.
Pre-orders for Rich Man are available now through both online and offline retailers. Physical album versions include themed photobooks, postcards, posters, and photocards, catering to the collectible culture of K-pop fandom. The release follows Aespa's recent singles "Dirty Work" and "Dark Arts," marking their third major musical offering of the year and continuing their reputation for pushing creative boundaries.
Netizens and industry observers have lauded Aespa's collaboration with Lee Ok-seop and Koo Kyo-hwan, calling the trailer a "cinematic masterpiece" and expressing eager anticipation for the album itself. As Aespa embarks on this next chapter, they reinforce their status as innovators within the fourth-generation K-pop scene, blending music, storytelling, and high-concept visuals into a cohesive artistic vision.
