Photo Credits: SM Entertainment. Elle China

Ningning, the powerhouse vocalist and youngest member of aespa, is captivating fans once again as the cover star for ELLE China’s June 2025 issue. The pictorial showcases her versatility and striking visuals, earning widespread praise for both her fashion-forward looks and her ability to embody a range of styles with confidence and grace.  Social media buzzed with admiration for the styling and Ningning’s effortless presence, with fans and netizens alike noting her evolution into a true fashion icon.

The timing of this high-profile magazine feature couldn’t be better. aespa has just confirmed their much-anticipated June comeback, marking their first Korean release in about eight months since their fifth mini album, “Whiplash”. The group’s label, SM Entertainment, shared that all members are currently busy preparing new music, fueling excitement among MYs (aespa’s fandom) and the broader K-pop community. Their previous EP was a commercial triumph, topping iTunes charts in 17 regions and breaking into the Billboard 200, further solidifying aespa’s global influence.

Ningning herself has been a frequent topic of conversation lately. A newly surfaced pre-debut video, where she discusses her love for painting and singing, has gone viral, with many fans defending her natural beauty and talent against detractors.  Meanwhile, her recent hair transformation-switching from her signature black hair to a blond-brown ombre-sparked lively debate online. While some preferred her classic dark look, others appreciated her willingness to experiment and noted that she remains stunning regardless of style.

Beyond individual headlines, aespa as a group continues to make waves. Earlier this year, they were honored as Billboard’s Women in Music Group of the Year, a testament to their innovative blend of real and virtual personas and their growing international acclaim. With a confirmed comeback on the horizon and Ningning’s star rising ever higher, aespa is poised to dominate both the music and fashion worlds throughout 2025.