On May 4, 2021, South Korean news outlet Ilgan Sports reported that the Aespa was in the final stages of preparation for their much-anticipated comeback. The report was subsequently … 展开

"Next Level" was composed by Yoo Young-jin, Adam McInnis, Mario Marchetti, and Sophie Curtis. In addition, SM Entertainment's founder and producer Lee Soo-man helped Aespa add a "distinctive color to the song". The song remakes A$ton Wyld's song of the … 展开

"Next Level" debuted at number nine on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart with chart issue dated May 16–22, 2021, making it Aespa's first top ten single on the chart. The song then … 展开

On May 20, 2021, Aespa unveiled their first performance stage of "Next Level" at the group's official YouTube channel. For the performance, choreography by Kiel Tutin, Jojo Gomez, … 展开

Following its release, "Next Level" was met with mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Hakyung Kate Lee of ABC News recognized … 展开

Background
On May 15, 2021, a 28-second video teaser for "Next Level" was uploaded on the official SM Town channel, with the official video being released two days later. The visual was released on SM Entertainment's official 展开

On September 10, 2021, it was announced that remix versions of "Next Level" will be released as a single titled iScreaM Vol.10 : Next Level Remixes. It featured three remix … 展开