Whiplash (Aespa song)

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.^[1] On October 11, the track listing was released alongside the highlight medley teaser video.^[2] Nine days later, the music video teaser was released.^[3] The song was released alongside its music video and the extended play on October 21.^[4]

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 American DJ Steve Aoki was also made available.^[5] 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.^[6]

"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.^[7] It was described as an 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".^[8]

"Whiplash" debuted at number four on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart in the chart issue dated October 20–26, 2024.^[9] The song also debuted at number seven on the Billboard South Korea Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[10] In Japan, the song debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in the chart issue dated October 30, 2024.^[11] On the Oricon Combined Singles Chart, the song debuted at number 15 in the chart issue dated November 4, 2024.^[12]

In Singapore, "Whiplash" debuted at number 19 on the RIAS Top Streaming Chart,^[13] and number six on the RIAS Top Regional Chart in the chart issue dated October 18–24, 2024.^[14] The song also debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Singapore Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[15] In Malaysia, the song debuted at number 23 on the Billboard Malaysia Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[16] In Hong Kong, the song debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hong Kong Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[17] In Taiwan, the song debuted at number six on the Billboard Taiwan Songs in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[18]

In New Zealand, "Whiplash" debuted at number 12 on the RMNZ Hot Singles in the chart issue dated October 28, 2024.^[19] In United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 14 on the OCC's UK Indie Breakers,^[20] number 37 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart,^[21] and number 40 on the UK Singles Sales Chart in the chart issue dated October 25–31, 2024.^[22] Globally, the song debuted at number 30 on the Billboard Global 200,^[23] and number 18 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S in the chart issue dated November 2, 2024.^[24]

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.^[25] They subsequently performed the song at three music programs in the first week of promotion: Mnet's M Countdown on October 24,^[26] MBC's Show! Music Core on October 26,^[27] and SBS's Inkigayo on October 27.^[28] 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,^[29] and Show! Music Core on November 2.^[30]

Digital download and streaming – English version

1. "Whiplash" (English version) – 3:03
2. "Whiplash" (Steve Aoki remix) – 3:45
3. "Whiplash" (English version) [sped up version] – 2:41

Credits adapted from liner notes of Whiplash.^[7]

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

• List of Inkigayo Chart winners (2024)
• List of Music Bank Chart winners (2024)
• List of Show Champion Chart winners (2024)
• List of Show! Music Core Chart winners (2024)