SM Classics Jazzes Up aespa’s “Supernova” and “Whiplash”
Photo: SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment’s classical music label, SM Classics, has paid tribute to aespa’s “Supernova” and “Whiplash” with jazz renditions. SM Jazz Trio, consisting of pianist Yohan Kim, bassist Hogyu “Stiger” Hwang, and drummer Jongkuk Kim released “Supernova (Jazz Version)” as their debut single in August. Yohan Kim, who also made his solo debut under SM Classics in June, put out a jazz version of “Whiplash” in December.
The Background to SM Classics
SM Entertainment formed the SM Classics label in collaboration with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in June 2020. SM Classics re-envisions K-Pop songs into arrangements encompassing many genres relating to classical music, including “jazz, original soundtrack, and film scores.” A Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra spokesperson described the partnership as a predicted “win-win” situation to The Korea Economic Daily in 2022. They hoped that the two organizations would “break the stereotype that classical music is difficult and boring.”
Their memorandum of understanding, a formal agreement between the two parties, signed in 2022 expanded the partnership to include offline events for the label. SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025 with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra held its first performances on February 14, 2025, and February 15, 2025. Ahead of the tour’s concerts in Seoul, SM Classics released their first digital album in January 2025. According to SM Entertainment’s IP Portfolio Update released in August 2024, the company plans to bring their orchestra concert tours across Asia, Europe, and America.
SM Jazz Trio’s “Supernova (Jazz Version)”
Jazz pianist Yohan Kim, bassist Hogyu “Stiger” Hwang, and drummer Jongkuk Kim made their debut as SM Jazz Trio on August 30, 2024, with their jazz reinterpretation of aespa’s “Supernova.” The members had previously worked together for SM Entertainment and for other ventures. Hwang and pianist Kim collaborated on a jazz version of H.O.T’s “The Promise of H.O.T” for the SM STATION project in 2021. Two years later, Hwang and drummer Kim played together as part of the Hogyu Hwang Trio with jazz saxophonist John Ellis.
In the trio’s reimagining of “Supernova,” the normally hyperpop song becomes a classy and relaxing tune. It takes the hip-hop and EDM elements of the smash hit and gives it a gentler spin. However, this doesn’t mean “Supernova (Jazz Ver.)” lacks energy. Its twist on the song’s dance break makes it like a burst of sunshine, one that lifts up people’s spirits. Where the original belonged in a dance club, this jazz single will help listeners find some calm before a day at work.
Yohan Kim’s “Whiplash - (YOHAN KIM Experience)”
Prior to joining SM Classics, jazz pianist Yohan Kim garnered a sizable following on both social media and within the local jazz scene. Kim began playing piano at age three, and started uploading covers on YouTube at 10 years-old. With millions of viewers experiencing his talents, it’s no wonder he eventually became SM Classics’s first solo artist. Following his solo single “hummingbird” in June and his debut with SM Jazz Trio in August, Kim returned with his own take on aespa’s “Whiplash.”
His recreation of the techno track makes it feel grander. The jazz version goes through larger dips in volume, allowing the anticipation to build more. Fusing electronic elements with the grace of a grand piano as its centerpiece gives the song an identity of its own. “Whiplash” moves away from the fashion catwalk and into the soundtrack of a thrilling spy movie.