SM Entertainment’s powerhouse girl group aespa has secured their first music show victory for their rock-inspired comeback “Rich Man,” taking home the trophy on MBC’s “Show Champion” on September 17, 2025. This milestone marks aespa’s 41st overall music show win, proving their continued dominance in the K-pop landscape.
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Aespa’s Historic Win Against Strong Competition
The September 17 episode of “Show Champion” featured intense competition among top-tier K-pop acts. The candidates for first place were aespa’s “Rich Man,” CIX’s “WONDER YOU,” DAY6’s “Dream Bus,” IVE’s “XOXZ,” and NCT’s Haechan’s “CRZY.” Despite facing fierce competition from established acts, aespa’s latest comeback proved irresistible to voters and charts alike.
This victory comes just 12 days after the release of their sixth mini-album “Rich Man” on September 5, 2025, demonstrating the immediate impact of their rock-influenced sound on both domestic and international audiences.
Show Champion September 17 Performance Lineup
The episode featured an impressive roster of performers, showcasing the diversity of current K-pop talent across generations and styles.
| Artist/Group | Song Performed | Genre/Style |
|---|---|---|
| MOMOLAND | “RODEO” | Pop/Dance |
| WJSN’s Dayoung | “body” | Solo R&B |
| CIX | “WONDER YOU” | Pop/Rock |
| ALL(H)OURS | “DO IT” & “READY 2 RUMBLE” | Hip-Hop |
| AxMxP | “I Did It” | Pop |
| Jung Daehyun (ex-B.A.P) | “HAENG-RO” | Ballad |
| Junhee (A.C.E) | “Umbrella (10:00)” | R&B |
| Gavy NJ | “Happiness (2025)” | Pop |
The “Rich Man” Era: aespa’s Rock Evolution
“Rich Man” represents a significant musical evolution for aespa, incorporating rock elements that distinguish it from their previous experimental pop releases. The title track showcases the group’s vocal versatility while maintaining their signature futuristic concept that has captivated global audiences since their debut.
For fans following K-pop comebacks, aespa’s genre experimentation demonstrates how established groups continue pushing creative boundaries to maintain relevance in the competitive industry.
Competition Breakdown: Why aespa Won
The victory against formidable opponents highlights aespa’s strategic positioning in the market. Competing against DAY6’s veteran appeal, IVE’s rising popularity, and NCT Haechan’s solo debut showcase, aespa’s win demonstrates their ability to adapt and thrive regardless of competition type.
This success adds to aespa’s impressive track record, bringing their total music show wins to 41—a testament to their consistent quality and fanbase loyalty.
Rising Stars and Veteran Performers Shine
The episode also highlighted the diversity of current K-pop talent. MOMOLAND’s energetic “RODEO” performance reminded fans of the group’s enduring appeal, while WJSN’s Dayoung showcased her solo capabilities with “body.” Jung Daehyun’s emotional “HAENG-RO” performance demonstrated the lasting impact of former B.A.P members in the industry.
For those interested in solo K-pop artists, Dayoung’s and Junhee’s performances exemplify how group members successfully transition to solo careers while maintaining their artistic identity.
aespa’s Continued Global Impact
This “Rich Man” victory reinforces aespa’s position as a fourth-generation K-pop leader. Following their previous successes with hits like “Next Level,” “Savage,” and “Spicy,” the group continues demonstrating their ability to evolve musically while maintaining chart dominance.
The rock-influenced direction of “Rich Man” also signals aespa’s confidence in experimenting with different genres, potentially inspiring other groups to explore similar sonic territories.
International Recognition and Chart Performance
Beyond domestic success, “Rich Man” has been making waves internationally. The album’s rock elements appeal to Western audiences increasingly interested in Korean music, contributing to K-pop’s continued global expansion.
This cross-cultural appeal aligns with current Korean entertainment trends where groups balance maintaining Korean identity with international accessibility.
What’s Next for aespa
With this first win secured, aespa will likely continue promoting “Rich Man” across various music shows, giving fans more opportunities to see their evolved performance style. The group’s willingness to experiment with rock elements suggests future releases may continue exploring diverse genres.
The success of “Rich Man” also positions aespa strongly for end-of-year award shows, where their consistent performance and genre evolution will likely earn recognition from industry professionals.
Watch the Winning Moment
Fans can watch aespa’s emotional winning moment and trophy ceremony on official “Show Champion” channels, capturing the group’s genuine reaction to their latest achievement.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop wins and music show results at TechnoSports for comprehensive coverage of your favorite groups and trending performances.
FAQs
Q: How many total music show wins does aespa have now with “Rich Man”?
A: With their “Rich Man” victory on Show Champion, aespa now has 41 total music show wins. This achievement demonstrates their consistent popularity and ability to secure victories across different eras and musical styles, from their debut hits to their latest rock-influenced comeback.
Q: What made aespa’s “Rich Man” stand out against the strong competition on Show Champion?
A: “Rich Man” succeeded against fierce competition including DAY6’s “Dream Bus,” IVE’s “XOXZ,” and NCT Haechan’s solo debut “CRZY” due to its unique rock-influenced sound, strong fanbase support, and aespa’s established reputation. The song’s genre experimentation while maintaining their signature style appealed to both existing fans and new listeners seeking fresh K-pop sounds.
