aespa’s managers are going viral after winning first place for their performance at SM Entertainment’s annual company gathering, surprising fans with a high-energy cover of the group’s hit track “Whiplash.”
Every year, SM Entertainment holds a company dinner where managers and staff from different artist teams compete in friendly performance stages, often recreating iconic choreography or putting their own comedic spin on popular songs. While the event is typically private, clips frequently find their way online, and this year’s standout was undeniably aespa’s management team.
The managers performed a full cover of “Whiplash,” complete with synchronized choreography, confident expressions, and unexpected stage presence. Both managers wore sunglasses to differentiate themselves from the backup dancers who helped.
시작부터 잘해서 반응 봐 잘하신다 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/R421SJp4xP
— 🍠 (@swtpotato41) February 1, 2026
Fans were shocked by how polished the performance was. They even handled a mishap with the audio perfectly.
음향사고까지 있었어ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 개웃기다ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ pic.twitter.com/DWPUwIhvZZ
— 찌즈 (@cheeblu) February 1, 2026
While aespa’s team won first place, other strong contenders were RIIZE‘s managers with “Siren.”
매니저들 사이렌 이거 실화냐 pic.twitter.com/H2auIvOf0o
— Na.. (@1wantnana) February 1, 2026
…and NCT Wish‘s manager with TWICE‘s “TT” and NCT Wish’s “Pop Pop.”
샤갈 스엠 단체회식에서 위시매니저가 팝팝이랑티티 춤 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 본무대보다 회식에 진심인거아니냐고 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ pic.twitter.com/oHnKpWVg6y
— 지지 (@Prince_of_Fukui) February 1, 2026
Netizens were floored at their dance skills.
| theqoo
- Seems like they take dance skills into account too when you apply for the industry.
- Huh? You’re saying the girl with her hair tied up and in sunnies is a manager and not a dancer?
- Wow, I thought only their male manager was competing.
- Their movements are so refreshing LOL. They’re so good.
- Wow, I wanna see their practice process.
Looks like talent clearly runs through the entire team!