Whiplash (EP)

Whiplash is the fifth extended play by South Korean girl group Aespa. It was released by SM Entertainment on October 21, 2024, and contains six tracks, including the lead single of the same name.

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. Three days later, the promotional schedule was released. On October 11, the track listing was released alongside the highlight medley teaser video. Nine days later, the music video teaser for "Whiplash" was released. The extended play was released alongside the music video for "Whiplash" on October 21.

Composition

Whiplash contains six tracks. The lead single, "Whiplash", 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". The second track, "Kill It", was described as a hip-hop dance song characterized by "catchy synth" with lyrics "expressesing a warning message to those who send unreasonable criticism". The third track, "Flights, Not Feelings", was described as a R&B song featuring "a vintage yet mysterious rhythm" with lyrics "about having fun [while] letting go of bad feelings and living freely".

The fourth track, "Pink Hoodie", was described as a hip-hop dance song featuring "unique synth sound and energetic bassline" with lyrics "wittily expressing the message of loving yourself as you are and having confidence". The fifth track, "Flowers", was described as an alternative R&B song featuring "sophisticated guitar riff" with lyrics "comparing the feelings of falling in love to flowers". The last track, "Just Another Girl", was described as a pop rock song characterized by "a rough guitar sound" with lyrics "conveying a warning message to a betrayed lover with a feeling of relief".

Commercial performance

In United Kingdom, Whiplash debuted at number 53 on the OCC's UK Album Downloads Chart.

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 connecting with their fanbase. Additionally, a pop-up store named "Aespa Week – #Whiplash_mood" was opened in Seoul, South Korea, running from October 21 to November 3.

Track listing

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes.

Studio

SM Dorii Studio – recording (track 1–3, 5), digital editing (track 5)
SM Yellow Tail Studio – recording (track 1, 3), digital editing, engineered for mix (track 1)
SM Droplet Studio – recording (track 1–2, 4), digital editing, engineered for mix (track 2)
Vibe Music Studio 606 – recording (track 1)
SM Wavelet Studio – recording, engineered for mix (track 6), digital editing (track 3, 6)
Golden Bell Tree Sound – recording (track 6)
Sound Pool Studio – digital editing (track 1)
77F Studio – digital editing (track 4)
SM Blue Ocean Studio – mixing (track 1, 5)
SM Blue Cup Studio – mixing (track 2)
SM Starlight Studio – mixing (track 3, 6)
SM Big Shot Studio – mixing (track 4)
821 Sound – mastering (all tracks)