As peak summer kicks off in the second week of July, a fresh rush of comebacks is igniting buzz and raising expectations among listeners.
First, boy group VAYONN from Kim Jaejoong-led INCODE Entertainment made their debut, while (G)I-DLE returned with their 9th mini album, grabbing attention at home and abroad. Rising rookies RESCENE are also set to drop a remake single of KARA's classic 'Pretty Girl,' fueling major anticipation.
On top of that, TXT's Yeonjun and NCT's Jaehyun are rolling out solo releases, ready to dominate playlists everywhere.
◆ 'Kim Jaejoong's rookie group' VAYONN debuts to strong global results
On the 6th, group VAYONN released their first EP 'Youth Today' and officially debuted.
The six-member rookie group is signed to INCODE Entertainment, helmed by singer-actor Kim Jaejoong, and had already drawn attention even before debut.
The new EP includes five tracks, led by the title song 'MUAH!'. The debut title entered QQ Music's K-pop chart and has been climbing fast, and it also shot up the Douyin Rising and Hot Issue rankings, catching the eyes of listeners.
The title track 'MUAH!' is a high-teen dance-pop song spotlighting crisp synths and bouncy drums, using weather as a metaphor to portray the gap between youthful reality and idealism.
◆ (G)I-DLE drop 9th mini album 'We made'
Also on the 6th, (G)I-DLE unveiled their 9th mini album 'We made' and quickly re-entered the charts.
The title track 'Gimme Dat Love' topped the Bugs real-time chart and hit No. 1 on Melon's Latest Chart (1 week), among other top placements. Overseas response was strong as well: the title took No. 1 on Tencent Music's Korea chart right after release, while 'Morning' and 'Love Is Pain' ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.
'Gimme Dat Love' captures a love that feels like an unquenchable thirst in the moment of powerful mutual attraction. With this album, (G)I-DLE lean more into pop than before.
◆ RESCENE reimagines KARA's 'Pretty Girl' with a fresh remake single
RESCENE will drop their remake single 'Pretty Girl' on the 8th at 6 p.m. via major music platforms.
The track reinterprets KARA's beloved 2008 hit in RESCENE's own style, set to showcase the group's lovable visuals and bubbly chemistry.
On the 6th, they amped up comeback hype by releasing a music video teaser packed with RESCENE's sweet, playful charms. Against a pink backdrop, the members capture their lively chemistry—from giving up on choosing outfits to goofing around together under the covers.
◆ Yeonjun returns with solo mini 2 'NO LABELS: PART 02'
TXT member Yeonjun will release his second solo mini album 'NO LABELS: PART 02' on the 10th at 1 p.m. He is rolling out a range of promotions centered on the new title track 'Ice Cream,' with anticipation sky-high among fans.
This comeback arrives about eight months after his first solo album last November, extending the 'NO LABELS' series. Yeonjun took part in writing the lyrics, further sharpening his musical identity.
◆ NCT's Jaehyun to release '99 Degrees'—credited on lyrics and composition
NCT member Jaehyun will drop the single '99 Degrees' on the 10th at 6 p.m. The ballad blends piano with band sounds to convey the meaning of complete love with lingering emotion.
Jaehyun participated in both lyrics and composition, and his mature sensibility and vocals are expected to captivate listeners. The lyrics deliver a message about discovering the most complete love not at a boiling 100 degrees, but within the slight imperfection of 99 degrees.