aespa. Image from SM Entertainment
An English-language version of aespa’s 2024 hit “Whiplash” will be unveiled Thursday, according to SM Entertainment.
The foursome will stage the new version for the first time at Billboard’s Women in Music 2025, which is to take place in Los Angeles on Saturday. Aespa is to be recognized as group of the year at the upcoming awards show.
The English version of “Whiplash” will be part of the group’s next single album, which is to also include a techno house remix whipped up by DJ and producer Steve Aoki.
In a joint Instagram post with aespa, Billboard commended the K-pop girl group for setting new trends.
“With their edgy approach, [aespa] are setting new trends — and staying true to themselves,” Billboard said. It further quoted Karina, the leader of the group, as saying that they aimed to be more professional and genuine.
“We’re honest. Of course, you have to be professional and present your best self, but we also try to show the not-perfect side… We’re not trying to filter everything or over-mask ourselves,” Karina told Billboard.
“Whiplash” is the title track from aespa’s fifth EP that came out in October last year. The electronic dance music number debuted on Spotify’s global top songs chart at No. 53. The EP also became the group’s fifth consecutive million-seller.
Recently, aespa wrapped up the group’s world tour of 41 concerts across 28 cities with a two-day gig in Seoul on March 16.