aespa calls for sustainable development to be taken to 'Next Level' at United Nations forum

Girl group aespa gives a speech during the opening session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations' headquarters in New York on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Girl group aespa called for sustainable development for the future generation during its speech at the United Nations' High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on Wednesday.

The girl group introduced itself as a "metaverse girl group" and during the opening session of the forum delivered a speech in English under the title "Next Generation to the Next Level."

“People are paying more attention to creating the best possible metaverse world. It transcends many boundaries — reality and virtual reality, time and space, and genres and generations," said member Giselle. "As the metaverse accelerates, we have to ask the question: ‘Are we working just as hard to create the best possible real-world?’

"The metaverse reflects reality. If our own reality is not sustainable, it would become difficult to sustain the possibilities of the virtual world. Without sustainable ecosystems or equal opportunities for quality living, there will be no real world to be mirrored."

She continued, "The topic of sustainable development is urgent and we believe the next generation must support sustainable development goals in order to protect the world that we live in. aespa will continue to connect with the next generation through music, and we’ll work to represent sustainable goals in reality, hence, within the metaverse.”

After the speech, the group performed its single "Next Level" (2021).

The group is slated to release its new EP “Girls” on July 8 at 1 p.m.

aespa debuted in November 2020 with four members: Giselle, Karina, Ningning and Winter. It is known for its metaverse concept which centers around the story of the members' alter-ego avatars that exist in the virtual world and can communicate with the members in real life. The group has released hits “Black Mamba” (2020), “Next Level” and "Savage" (2021).

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]