aespa Do the ‘Dirty Work’ for New Single: Exclusive Photos From the Album Shoot

The ladies of aespa are getting busy! The quartet dropped its latest single, “Dirty Work,” and its accompanying music video via SM Entertainment/Virgin Records on Friday (June 27).

The synth-poppy rock-infused dance track didn’t arrive alone, though. It came packaged in a four-song release that includes the original version of “Dirty Work,” as well as a remix featuring rapper Flo Milli, a Korean-language version, as well as an instrumental take. In addition, KARINA, WINTER, GISELLE and NINGNING did an album shoot for the release, and Billboard has the exclusive look at the five photos, with the group shot above, and the remaining four snaps featuring each member below.

For the music video, the quartet — who each portray strong characters who are going against the grain and taking on the “dirty work” — recruited 225 extras to perform in the choreo-heavy visual. It was filmed at Hyundai Steel’s steel mill located in in Dangjin, South Korea, and includes shots of heavy machinery to add to the industrial vibe. The feel of the video was hinted at in a teaser clip that dropped earlier in the month on June 4. Though it didn’t hint at what the song would sound like, the clip showed a pile of metal — including gears and chains — being melted down, with the molten substance dripping down to slowly form the title of the song.

The release arrives after aespa accepted the Group of the Year honor from actress-singer Suki Waterhouse at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event in March. “We want to cheer on all women who are chasing their dreams, and we hope everyone gets the chance to reach their full potential,” GISELLE said during the K-pop group’s acceptance speech. “Music really does connect all of us, and we’re so grateful to be a part of this journey.” Just the year before, aespa became the first K-pop girl group to have six projects reach the Billboard 200 top 50.

Aespa closed out the Women in Music event with a performance of the English version of “Whiplash.”

Keep scrolling to see Billboard‘s exclusive photos of aespa’s “Dirty Work” album shoot.