aespa continues to break records with their latest album, Whiplash!

As of November 7, aespa’s fifth mini-album has sold over 1.02 million copies, earning the group their fifth consecutive million-seller title, according to Circle Chart. This milestone marks another career-high achievement for the girl group.

Whiplash follows in the footsteps of aespa’s earlier albums, including Girls, MY WORLD, Drama, and Armageddon—all of which sold over a million copies. Impressively, Armageddon and Whiplash both reached the million-seller mark this year, solidifying aespa as one of K-pop's top hitmakers in 2024.

Not only did Whiplash top the charts, but it also made an impressive debut on Spotify, ranking 53rd on the platform's global chart on its release day, the highest entry for a K-pop girl group song in 2024.

The album also charted on several Billboard lists in November, including World Albums, Global 200 (excluding the U.S.), Global 200, and the Billboard 200—showing their growing influence worldwide.

Released on October 21, Whiplash includes the title track of the same name, marking aespa's first venture into EDM and techno music.

The album also features tracks like Kill It, Flights, Not Feelings, Pink Hoodie, Flowers, and Just Another Girl, highlighting the group’s expanding musical range with six total tracks.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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