aespa’s “Whiplash” Sparks Controversy As Choreographers Fight Over Credit

The award went to someone else. 7 minutes ago A popular K-Pop choreographer, Renan, has stirred up a heated debate about her contribution to aespa‘s “Whiplash” choreography going unrecognized. Renan | @renan0115/Instagram The conflict in question arose during a recent broadcast of Mnet‘s new show, Street World Fighter: Directors’ War. In a recently aired preview, Renan claimed that though she made around 80% of the “Whiplash” at the 2025 KOREA Awards, the Daesang for “Choreography of the Year” went to Lachica for their remaining contribution to the song. Choreographer Simeez, who is a part of the Lachica, retorted, telling Renan that if she had worked harder to come up with a better “highlight” choreography for the chorus, she would have won the award instead. Choreographer Bada also agreed, pointing out that even though Renan did 80% of the choreography, what stuck with the general public was the neck movement during the chorus made by Lachica. [Video could not be displayed] Renan also claimed that she was the one who gave the aespa members the dance lessons, showed up on the set of the music video filming, and even directed the dance practice video. She confessed that it felt lik...