Choreographer Renan Cries Foul Over aespa's 'Whiplash' Award, Lachica Counters: 'The Hook Is Key'

A dispute over choreography credits for K-pop girl group aespa's (에스파) signature song "Whiplash" has recently come to light. Choreographer Renan (레난) openly discussed her contributions to the "Whiplash" choreography in a preview for Mnet's new program, Street World Fighter: Directors' War. She stated that despite completing approximately 80% of the dance, the 2025 KOREA Awards' "Choreographer of the Year" award was given to Lachica (라치카), a decision she still finds unfair.

The controversy originated from the show's latest preview. Renan revealed that she invested significant effort into the "Whiplash" choreography, estimating that about 80% of the entire dance was her creation. However, when the "Choreographer of the Year" award was presented, Lachica was named the winner, leaving Renan feeling that her hard work was not adequately recognized.

In response, Simeez (시미즈), a member and choreographer of Lachica, immediately countered, suggesting that if Renan had put more effort into designing a "signature highlight" for the chorus, she might have won the award. Another choreographer, Bada (바다), also commented that while Renan indeed completed about 80% of the choreography, it was Lachica's "neck dance" in the chorus that truly left a deep impression on the public.

Renan further elaborated that beyond choreography, she personally taught the dance to the aespa members, assisted on the music video set, and even directed the dance practice videos. She admitted that she invested a significant amount of time and effort into the song, only to not receive the choreography award, which she found "very unfair."

She also revealed that she cried immediately after the awards ceremony due to feeling wronged. While Simeez refuted Renan's claims, she acknowledged that Renan did put considerable effort into "Whiplash," indicating that both parties hold differing views on who truly deserved the award.

Following the release of the preview, netizens' reactions have been sharply divided. Some believe that "Whiplash" left a lasting impression on the public precisely because of Lachica's signature moves, thus finding it unsurprising that Lachica won the award.

Others sided with Renan, arguing that if 80% of the choreography genuinely came from her but received no recognition, it is understandable for her to feel unfairly treated. However, some netizens also pointed out that K-pop choreography copyright and credit distribution are inherently complex, making it difficult to determine who deserves an award based solely on the percentage of work contributed.

Furthermore, some netizens even suspect that this "choreography battle" might be a deliberate dramatic effect orchestrated by Mnet to boost program ratings, with comments like "Mnet is truly exhausting." As the show officially airs, the development of this "Whiplash" choreography credit dispute remains a focal point for fans.