aespa's "Dirty Work" MV BTS reveals how far smartphone photography and filmmaking have come

Just days after the surprise drop of aespa's high-energy performance video for Dirty Work in collaboration with Apple, the group has now posted a behind-the-scenes video that confirms what fans, creatives, and tech enthusiasts have been buzzing about the entire shoot: it was filmed in 4K using the iPhone 16 Pro.

Credits: Apple South Korea and SM Entertainment

Pro-level Execution with the iPhone 16 Pro

What truly elevates the behind-the-scenes video is the reveal of the production setup and the specs. aespa’s team shot the MV in 4K at 120fps using the iPhone 16 Pro, a high frame rate that allows for ultra-smooth motion and crisp slow-motion sequences.

Credits: Apple South Korea and SM Entertainment

What does 120fps mean?

Most videos we watch are usually at 24 or 30 frames per second (fps). But at 120fps, the camera captures more frames per second, allowing video editors to slow down motion smoothly without choppiness

 It's what makes those cinematic slow-motion shots feel fluid and detailed, which are perfect for dramatic dance movements or action scenes. One standout moment from the behind-the-scenes video shows aespa members filmed in real time, then played back at 50 percent 60fps, creating a dramatic slow motion effect.

Credits: Apple South Korea and SM Entertainment

To support such advanced mobile filming, the production team behind the MV clearly didn’t skimp on professional gear as seen in the behind-the-scenes video:

Handheld rigs were used for stabilization during aespa's fast-paced choreography—essential to keep footage smooth while maintaining the dynamic energy of the routine

Credits: Apple South Korea and SM Entertainment

Robotic camera arms, similar to those used for GlamBOT-style red carpet shots, were employed to capture high-speed performance footage.

Credits: Apple South Korea and SM Entertainment

These types of gear allow smartphone footage to move beyond casual vlogging and into professional territory, especially when paired with the right lighting, choreography, and post-processing.

iPhone Portraits, but make it aespa

Portraits of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning shot on iPhone 16 Pro

Alongside the performance clips, aespa also released a series of stunning portrait shots taken with the iPhone 16 Pro. From the details on the members' outfits, down to the bokeh in the background, the shots highlight just how far smartphone photography has come. The iPhone 16 Pro maintains accurate skin tones and manages highlights and shadows well, even under the complex lighting conditions often used in studio shoots.

For fans and content creators alike, this is a reminder that today's mobile cameras are more than capable of capturing magazine-level stills straight from your pocket.

A new era of mobile content creation

aespa's Dirty Work teaser and behind-the-scenes content clearly show that smartphones like the iPhone 16 Pro aren't just catching up, but they’re actually already shaping the future of visual content. With the right setup and creative direction, a smartphone can become a legitimate filmmaking tool.

And if this teaser is anything to go by, all eyes will be on the full music video dropping June 27 which, if this momentum holds, might just be another win for mobile-shot media.