Whiplash (Aespa song)
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Whiplash
| cover = Aespa - Whiplash (English Version).png
| caption = English version cover
| artist = Aespa
| EP = Whiplash
| type = single
| released = {{Start date|2024|10|21}}
| language = Korean
| genre = * EDM
| length = 3:03
| label =
| composer =
- Marcus "MarcLo" Lomax
- Neil Ormandy
- Rosina "Soaky Siren" Russell
- Lewis Jankel
| lyricist = Leslie
| chronology = Aespa
| prev_title = Hot Mess
| prev_year = 2024
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|jWQx2f-CErU|"Whiplash"}}}}
}}
"Whiplash" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Aespa for their fifth extended play of the same name. It was released as the EP's lead single by SM Entertainment on October 21, 2024.
Background and release
On September 23, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Aespa would be releasing their fifth extended play titled Whiplash with the lead single of the same name on October 21.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 신보 '위플래시' 10월 공개...'슈퍼노바' 신드롬 이을까|trans-title=Aespa releases new album 'Whiplash' in October...Could this be the 'Supernova' syndrome?|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0007801229|via=Naver|work=News1|language=ko|last=Ahn|first=Eun-jae|date=September 23, 2024|access-date=September 23, 2024}} On October 11, the track listing was released alongside the highlight medley teaser video.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 컴백 불 지폈다..1위 줄세우기|trans-title=Aespa, ignited a comeback..lined up for first place|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0005173495|via=Naver|work=Osen|language=ko|last=Seon|first=Mi-kyung|date=October 12, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} Nine days later, the music video teaser was released.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'컴백 D-1' 에스파, '쇠크노' 온다|trans-title='Comeback D-1' Aespa, 'Whiplash' is coming|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/117/0003881003|via=Naver|work=My Daily|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Seung-gil|date=October 20, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} The song was released alongside its music video and the extended play on October 21.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 오늘(21일) 컴백..."'슈퍼노바'보다 더 사랑받길"|trans-title=Aespa, comeback today (21st)..."I hope it gets more love than 'Supernova'"|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/052/0002102407|via=Naver|publisher=YTN|language=ko|last=Oh|first=Ji-won|date=October 21, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}}
On March 27, 2025, Aespa released an English-language version of "Whiplash", expanding the track's global appeal. Alongside the new version, a remix produced by internationally renowned DJ Steve Aoki was also made available.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-27 |title=Group Aespa's mega-hit song "Whiplash" is returning to the English version."Whiplash (English Ver.)".. - MK |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/musics/11274821 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=Maeil Business Newspaper |language=en}} The remix reimagined the original's energetic, house-influenced sound into Aoki's signature electronic style. The English release was part of SM Entertainment's efforts to bolster Aespa's presence in Western markets, building on the track's earlier success across various global music charts.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=Girl group aespa to release English version of 'Whiplash' |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-24/entertainment/kpop/Girl-group-aespa-to-release-English-version-of-Whiplash/2268760 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}
Composition
"Whiplash" was written by Leslie from XYXX, composed and arranged by Neil Ormandy and Lewis Jankel with Marcus "MarcLo" Lomax and Rosina "Soaky Siren" Russell participating in the composition.{{Cite AV media notes|title=Whiplash|publisher=SM Entertainment; Kakao Entertainment|location=South Korea|at=Credits|type=photobook|last=Aespa|year=2024}} It was described as a EDM-based song featuring "strong and fast-paced bass and house beats" with lyrics about "moving forward without hesitation with your own standards and criteria without being confined by a frame".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 파격변신 예고···강렬한 '쇠맛' 테크노로 돌아온다|trans-title=Aespa announces unprecedented transformation...returns with intense 'iron-flavored' techno|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/144/0000993081|via=Naver|work=Sports Kyunghyang|language=ko|date=October 8, 2024|access-date=October 9, 2024}}
Commercial performance
"Whiplash" debuted at number four on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart in the chart issue dated October 20–26, 2024.{{Cite web|title=Circle Digital Chart – Week 43 of 2024|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=43&hitYear=2024&termGbn=week|publisher=Circle Chart|language=ko|date=October 20–26, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} The song also debuted at number seven on the Billboard South Korea Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard South Korea Songs – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/south-korea-songs-hotw/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} In Japan, the song debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in the chart issue dated October 30, 2024.{{Cite web|title=Billboard Japan Hot 100 – Week of October 30, 2024|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2024&month=11&day=04|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|date=October 30, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} On the Oricon Combined Singles Chart, the song debuted at number 15 in the chart issue dated November 4, 2024.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:オリコン 週間 合算シングルランキング – 2024年11月04日付|trans-title=Oricon Weekly Total Single Ranking – Published for November 4, 2024|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/cos/w/2024-11-04/p/2/|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|date=October 21–27, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}}
In Singapore, "Whiplash" debuted at number 19 on the RIAS Top Streaming Chart,{{Cite web|title=RIAS Top Charts – Week 43 (October 18–24 2024)|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|publisher=RIAS|date=October 18–24, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024|archive-date=October 29, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241029045408/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|url-status=deviated}} and number six on the RIAS Top Regional Chart in the chart issue dated October 18–24, 2024.{{Cite web|title=RIAS Top Charts – Week 43 (October 18–24 2024)|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/#1562208279199-5ec9aa23-80dc|publisher=RIAS|date=October 18–24, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024|archive-date=October 29, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241029045408/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/#1562208279199-5ec9aa23-80dc|url-status=deviated}} The song also debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Singapore Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Singapore Songs – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/singapore-songs-hotw/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} In Malaysia, the song debuted at number 23 on the Billboard Malaysia Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Malaysia Songs – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/malaysia-songs-hotw/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} In Hong Kong, the song debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hong Kong Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Hong Kong Songs – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hong-kong-songs-hotw/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} In Taiwan, the song debuted at number six on the Billboard Taiwan Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Taiwan Songs – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/taiwan-songs-hotw/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}}
In New Zealand, "Whiplash" debuted at number 12 on the RMNZ Hot Singles in the chart issue dated October 28, 2024.{{cite web|title=Whiplash|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2024-10-25|date=October 28, 2024|access-date=April 5, 2025}} In United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 14 on the OCC's UK Indie Breakers,{{Cite web|title=Official Independent Singles Breakers Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-singles-breakers-chart/20241025/254/|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=October 25–31, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} number 37 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart,{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Downloads Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20241025/7000/|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=October 25–31, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} and number 40 on the UK Singles Sales Chart in the chart issue dated October 25–31, 2024.{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Sales Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-sales-chart/20241025/7509/|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=October 25–31, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} Globally, the song debuted at number 30 on the Billboard Global 200,{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Global 200 – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-global-200/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} and number 18 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Global Excl. US – Week of November 2, 2024|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-global-excl-us/2024-11-02/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 27 – November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}}
Promotion
Prior to the release of Whiplash, on October 21, 2024, Aespa held a live event on YouTube, TikTok, and Weverse, aimed at introducing the extended play and its songs, including "Whiplash", and connecting with their fanbase.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:"21일은 에스파 데이!"...'위플래시' 팝업스토어 개최|trans-title="The 21st is Aespa Day!"...'Whiplash' pop-up store held|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0001156231|via=Naver|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Yoo|first=Ji-hye|date=October 14, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} They subsequently performed the song at three music programs in the first week of promotion: Mnet's M Countdown on October 24,{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'엠카' 에스파·아일릿 컴백→'로드투킹덤' 스페셜 무대 예고|trans-title='M Countdown' Aespa and Illit comeback → 'Road to Kingdom' special stage preview|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003276354|via=Naver|work=MT Star News|language=ko|last=Heo|first=Ji-hyung|date=October 24, 2024|access-date=October 24, 2024}} MBC's Show! Music Core on October 26,{{Cite web|script-title=ko:세븐틴, 쟁쟁한 후보 제쳤다...방송 출연 없이 '쇼! 음악중심' 1위→3관왕 달성|trans-title=Seventeen beat a prominent candidate...'Show! Music Core' 1st place without appearing on broadcas → Achieved 3 awards|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/445/0000251739|via=Naver|work=MHN Sports|language=ko|last=Jeong|first=Seong-min|date=October 26, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} and SBS's Inkigayo on October 27.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:로제 '아파트' 신드롬 국내서도 ing... 출연 없이 '인기가요' 1위|trans-title=Rosé's 'APT.' syndrome is also prevalent in Korea... No. 1 on 'Inkigayo' without appearing on the show|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/241/0003390362|via=Naver|work=Ilgan Sports|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Ji-hye|date=October 27, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} In the second and final week of promotion, they performed on two music programs: KBS's Music Bank on November 1 where they won the first place,{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'뮤직뱅크' 에스파, 컴백과 동시에 1위..더보이즈→케플러 컴백 [종합]|trans-title='Music Bank' Aespa takes first place upon comeback...The Boyz → Kepler comeback [Comprehensive]|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0005188042|via=Naver|work=Osen|language=ko|last=Ji|first=Min-kyung|date=November 1, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} and Show! Music Core on November 2.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'음중' 로제, 에스파·아일릿 제치고 1위..더보이즈·케플러 컴백 [종합]|trans-title='Music' Rosé beats Aespa and Illit to take first place..The Boyz and Kepler comeback [Comprehensive]|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003279091|via=Naver|work=MT Star News|language=ko|last=Heo|first=Ji-kyung|date=November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}}
Accolades
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Awards and nominations for "Whiplash" ! scope="col" | Award ceremony ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | MTV Video Music Awards Japan
| 2025 | style="text-align:left" | Best Group Video (International) | {{won}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Music Awards Japan
| rowspan="2" | 2025 | style="text-align:left" | Best K-pop Song in Japan | {{pending}} | rowspan="2" | {{Cite web|title=Music Awards Japan - Nominees|url=https://www.musicawardsjapan.com/nominees/|language=ja|publisher=Music Awards Japan|date=April 17, 2025|access-date=April 18, 2025|archive-date=April 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417192512/https://www.musicawardsjapan.com/nominees/|url-status=live}} |
| style="text-align:left" | Best of Listeners' Choice: International Song
| {{pending}} |
=Listicles=
==Year-end lists==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement ! scope="col" | Publisher ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Listicle ! scope="col" | Placement ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | Teen Vogue
| 2024 | style="text-align:left" | 15 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2024 | {{n/a|Placed}} | {{Cite magazine|title=15 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2024|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/best-k-pop-music-videos-of-2024-ateez-rose-twice-and-more|magazine=Teen Vogue|last=Tatum|first =Chyenne|date=December 11, 2024|access-date=December 14, 2024}} |
|---|
Track listing
- Digital download and streaming – English version
- "Whiplash" (English version) – 3:03
- "Whiplash" (Steve Aoki remix) – 3:45
- "Whiplash" (English version) [Sped Up version] – 2:41
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from liner notes of Whiplash.
Studio
- SM Dorii Studio – recording
- SM Yellow Tail Studio – recording, digital editing, engineered for mix
- SM Droplet Studio – recording
- Vibe Music Studio 606 – recording
- Sound Pool Studio – digital editing
- SM Blue Ocean Studio – mixing
- 821 Sound – mastering
Personnel
- Aespa – vocals, background vocals
- Kriz – background vocals
- Rosina "Soaky Siren" Russell – background vocals, composition
- Leslie (XYXX) – lyrics
- Marcus "MarcLo" Lomax – composition
- Neil Ormandy – composition, arrangement
- Lewis Jankel – composition, arrangement
- Maxx Song – vocal directing
- Emily Yeonseo Kim – vocal directing
- Jeong Jae-won – recording
- Noh Min-ji – recording, digital editing, engineered for mix
- Kim Joo-hyun – recording
- Kwak Jeong-shin – recording
- Jeong Ho-jin – digital editing
- Kim Cheol-sun – mixing
- Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Charts
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col-2}}
=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Monthly chart performance for "Whiplash" ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| South Korea (Circle){{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=11&hitYear=2024&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart – November 2024|publisher=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=December 12, 2024}}
| 2 |
|---|
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Year-end chart performance for "Whiplash" ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| South Korea (Circle){{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=2024&hitYear=2024&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart – 2024|publisher=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 10, 2025}}
| 60 |
|---|
| scope="row"| Taiwan (Hito Radio){{cite web|url=http://www.hitoradio.com/newweb/chart_2.php?ch_year=2024|title=年度百首單曲: 2024|publisher=Hit FM. Voice of Taipei Broadcasting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203032458/https://www.hitoradio.com/newweb/chart_2.php?ch_year=2024|language=zh|access-date=February 26, 2025|archive-date=February 3, 2025}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 19 |
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Whiplash"}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|title=Supernova|artist=Aespa|award=Gold|streamsonly=true|certyear=2024|certmonth=12|access-date=January 30, 2025|refname=st}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streamsonly=true|noshipments=true|nosales=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release history for "Whiplash" ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Version ! scope="col" | Label |
| rowspan="3" scope="row" | Various
| October 21, 2024 | rowspan="3" | {{Hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Original |
|---|
| December 11, 2024
| Remix | {{Hlist|SM|Kakao|ScreaM}} |
| March 27, 2025
| English | {{Hlist|SM|Kakao}} |