As heavy May showers drench the third week like a monsoon teaser, a wave of long-awaited K-pop comebacks is whipping up massive excitement among listeners.
From Taeyang of BIGBANG unveiling his 4th full album ahead of a full-group return, to ITZY dropping their 12th mini album, and ZEROBASEONE making their first comeback since reorganizing as a five-member team — all eyes are on this week’s releases. Reunited for their 10th anniversary, I.O.I and LE SSERAFIM — poised to release their 2nd studio album — are also set to greet fans with new records and title tracks.
◆ Taeyang storms back after 9 years with 4th LP ‘QUINTESSENCE’ on the 18th
Taeyang of BIGBANG released his 4th full-length album ‘QUINTESSENCE’ and title track ‘LIVE FAST DIE SLOW’ on the 18th.
This marks his first studio album in nine years since the 2017 LP ‘WHITE NIGHT,’ making it a highly anticipated return to full-length records.
The title track captures time lived with unwavering self-focus amid a fast-paced life, expressing pain and ruin through blazing imagery in a paradoxical way.
The 10-track project traces a musical journey to uncover unseen yet essential values.
◆ ITZY blow away the early-summer heat with ‘Mottto’
On the same day, ITZY dropped their new mini album ‘Mottto.’
The title track ‘Mottto’ stands out with a refreshing, trendy melody, singing about the courage to push forward even amid uncertainty.
The accompanying music video is drawing praise for bottling the members’ bright, high-energy vibe. It even hit No. 1 on YouTube’s Music Video Trending Worldwide chart, proving its viral power.
Following the release of their 12th mini ‘Mottto,’ ITZY plan to roll out a variety of content, including a choreography practice video.
◆ ZEROBASEONE, first 5-member comeback: mini 6th ‘Ascend-’ makes a powerful mark
ZEROBASEONE are on an upswing with their 6th mini album ‘Ascend-,’ released on the 18th.
The album proved their global pull, topping iTunes in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Latvia, and entering the upper ranks of iTunes charts in 18 countries worldwide. It also debuted at No. 1 on China’s QQ Music Digital Album mini-album chart, earning strong results in the Greater China region. After hitting No. 1 on Japan’s iTunes Top Albums chart, the group also entered Apple Music Japan’s album chart, expanding their footprint in the global market.
Notably, the title track ‘TOP 5’ also scored high on domestic and international charts, including No. 1 in the Dance category on Melon’s Hot Track chart.◆ I.O.I mark their 10th anniversary with a May 19 comeback — ‘LOOP’
I.O.I celebrated their 10th debut anniversary by releasing their 3rd mini album ‘I.O.I : LOOP’ on the 19th.
The new record — their first in about nine years — looks back on the decade they’ve shared and captures the sincerity of their reunion now.
The title track ‘Suddenly’ is a synth-pop track that delicately traces the sudden waves of longing and lingering memories. Member Jeon Somi participated in the lyrics, pouring in the group’s heartfelt emotions.
Formed through Mnet’s audition program Produce 101 in 2016, I.O.I were a project group that promoted for about eight months and received immense love.
◆ LE SSERAFIM promise an addictive ear-candy with ‘BOOMPALA’ on the 22nd
LE SSERAFIM will heat up the summer by releasing their 2nd studio album ‘PUREFLOW pt.1’ at 1 p.m. on the 22nd.
The title track ‘BOOMPALA’ is defined by an insanely catchy melody that sticks after one listen. Turning the realization of fear into a catalyst for positive change, the song channels that shift into playful energy — and notably samples the global hit ‘Macarena.’
With this second studio album, LE SSERAFIM sing about the shift in mindset — “Because we know fear, we became stronger” — signaling the start of ‘FEARLESS 2.0.’
After the comeback, LE SSERAFIM will kick off their second world tour, starting with concerts in Incheon on July 11–12.