Today, rising K-Pop girl group aespa and SM Entertainment announce a global partnership with Warner Records.  First up from the record-smashing group is aespa’s lead single, “Life’s Too Short” on June 24^th from their highly-anticipated EP, Girls – The 2nd Mini Album out July 8. The sneak peek track “Illusion” is available now upon pre-order of Girls – The 2nd Mini Album.  Pre-order/save Girls – The 2nd Mini AlbumHERE and listen to “Illusion” HERE.

“We are thrilled to be welcomed into the Warner Records’ family and so grateful to have them on board as we embark on our next chapter,” said aespa. “We are excited for what’s in store, including the release of our new project, Girls – The 2nd Mini Album this summer and being named Apple Music’s Up Next artist!”

“KARINA, WINTER, GISELLE and NINGNING of aespa have already made an impact around the world under the leadership of SM Entertainment founder and chairman Soo-Man Lee and his incredible team,” said Tom Corson (COO & Co-Chairman, Warner Records), and Aaron Bay-Schuck (CEO & Co-Chairman, Warner Records). “We’re honored to welcome them to the Warner Records’ family as our first-ever K-Pop group and look forward to achieving unprecedented success together.”

“We are well aware of Warner Records’ long history of success with global artists, and we are grateful for their belief in aespa’s rising future,” said Sung Su Lee (CEO, SM Entertainment) and Young Jun Tak (COO, SM Entertainment). “Together with Warner Records, we are confident that aespa can continue to showcase groundbreaking music and grow into a global group.”

Today, Apple Music announced aespa as the newest global Up Next artist, Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent. Elements of the worldwide campaign include the release of an Up Next short film, a sit down interview with Apple Music’s Brooke Reese on Apple Music 1 radio, a U.S. late night TV appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and more. Fans can watch aespa’s Up Next film HERE.

Earlier this year, aespa made their debut US live performance during a surprise show-stopping set on the main stage at Coachella, dubbed “a highly anticipated event” by Rolling Stone.

Last fall, aespa unveiled their EP, Savage  – The 1^st Mini Album. It bowed in the Top 20 of the Billboard Top 200, becoming the highest entry on the Top 200 and Artist 100 for a K-Pop girl group’s debut. Additionally, Savage  – The 1^st Mini Album claimed a spot on ten Billboard charts, including Top Independent Albums, Top Album Sales, Top World Albums, and more. All of this setting the stage for aespa’s forthcoming project, Girls – The 2nd Mini Album.

Beyond praise from Forbes, Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, Flaunt, and more, TIME touted them among “The Next Generation Leaders, Class of 2022.” Stay tuned for more from aespa as they launch their global takeover this summer!