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

A popular K-Pop choreographer, Renan, has stirred up a heated debate about her contribution to aespa‘s “Whiplash” choreography going unrecognized.

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.

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 like an “injustice” that she wasn’t given the award for the choreography, while Simeez also acknowledged all the work she had put into the song.

Renan also admitted that she cried after the award ceremony because she felt snubbed.

Though Renan’s confession highlighted a lesser-known phenomenon of the K-Pop choreography world, netizens mostly reacted coldly toward her complaints. However, some also complained that this entire dispute was scripted by Mnet to simply drive up ratings.

• “I don’t think they would have won an award without that signature dance move.”
• “It would definitely feel unfair if her contribution is 80%.”
• “But the award was likely due to the signature choreography, so it’s definitely Lachica.”
• “I can understand the sense of unfairness, and I can also understand why La Chica received it; the whole concept of dance copyright is really ambiguous.”

• What’s the point of that 80% if it didn’t even stick in anyone’s memory?  You don’t get an award for that anyway. Lachica is the one who deserves to win.”
• “I am so sick and tired of Mnet.”