K-Pop Showdown: aespa and ILLIT Deliver Impactful Comebacks with Their Latest Releases

On October 21, the renowned 4th generation girl groups aespa and ILLIT made waves with their music video releases, signaling the start of their highly anticipated comebacks.

aespa returned for the second time this year with their new E.P. titled “Whiplash,” featuring its title song. Competing on domestic charts against BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Rosé, aespa builds on the momentum created by their prior hit “Supernova,” generating high hopes for their latest release.

The track “Whiplash” presents a techno vibe complemented by deep bass and house influences, exuding a high-fashion aesthetic. The distinctive metallic quality of aespa’s sound has garnered positive reactions and is anticipated to continue the success seen with “Supernova” on the year-end charts.

The music video adopts a minimalist approach, featuring monochrome visuals and futuristic elements that highlight SM Entertainment’s stellar production standards. The members shine, with Giselle particularly captivating fans with her bold pink hair.

On the other hand, ILLIT, a rookie girl group under HYBE, marks their first comeback with the mini-album “I’ll Like You,” presenting the title track “Cherish (My Love).” Following the success of their debut single “Magnetic,” ILLIT has quickly become recognized as HYBE’s “streaming powerhouse,” offering a lively and catchy musical style.

Despite facing criticism and “copycat” labels due to their similarities with NewJeans, ILLIT strives to carve out their own identity with this comeback. “Cherish (My Love)” is designed as a brief and catchy tune that’s easy to listen to. The group’s vibrant aesthetics and whimsical themes continue to draw in fans who appreciate their enigmatic concepts.

Both aespa and ILLIT are acknowledged in South Korea for their impressive digital achievements, making them serious contenders for year-end accolades, especially after attaining notable Perfect All-Kills. The simultaneous releases have sparked excitement among fans, hinting at potential shifts in the digital music landscape.

While these two groups are rivals under the auspices of SM and HYBE, fans are particularly eager for a competition that also involves BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Rosé. At present, Rosé is leading the Realtime All-Kill chart with her track “APT.” , which is approaching a Perfect All-Kill milestone. Fans are curious if aespa and ILLIT can rise to the challenge of matching Rosé’s success.

In their first hour following release, “Whiplash” secured the #4 position on Bugs, #7 on MelOn, and #11 on Genie, whereas “Cherish (My Love)” debuted at #12 on Bugs, #33 on Genie, and #77 on MelOn. With significant momentum and critical acclaim for “Whiplash,” aespa appears ready to soon claim the #1 spot, making the current digital music rivalry both unpredictable and thrilling.