The first month of the new year is already racing toward its end. As third-generation leaders EXO return after two and a half years and light up global charts, group comebacks from ONEUS, KickFlip, AxMxP, and MOMOLAND are in full swing.
In the mid-January cold snap, groups armed with distinct concepts are ready to zero in on listeners' tastes.
◆ EXO drop 'REVERXE' on the 19th—dominating global charts at No. 1
EXO made a spectacular comeback on the 19th with a release showcase for their eighth studio album 'REVERXE' at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace in Seoul.
On site, EXO premiered the title track 'Crown,' a performance rooted in the classic 'SMP style.' They also staged the B-side 'I'm Home,' a beloved winter ballad.
'Crown' is a hard-dance track that breaks genre boundaries by fusing Atlanta trap drums, heavy metal guitar, and EDM synths. Siren effects and powerful vocals build relentless tension, and the lyrics—likening a precious person to a crown—pledge to risk everything to protect them to the end, delivering a signature EXO-style tribute.
Upon release, 'REVERXE' shot to No. 1 on China's QQ Music digital album sales chart and topped iTunes Top Albums in 35 regions worldwide, landing in the Top 10 in 48 regions. It also took daily No. 1 on Korea's major album chart Hanteo Chart, underscoring its global popularity.
◆ ONEUS unveil 'Won' on the 20th—"our origin and a new beginning"
ONEUS released their single album 'Won' (原) on the 20th.
The title track 'Grenade' packs uncontrollable, extreme emotions over a weighty bass. Like the instant a grenade pin is pulled, pent-up energy explodes and surges, maximizing tension. The bold sound progression expands ONEUS's musical spectrum and heightens immersion, with members Geonhee and Hwanwoong penning the lyrics to amplify the group's trademark conceptual charm.
This album represents ONEUS's origin and beginning. Rather than a simple return, ONEUS confront their roots and present a rebirth narrative. Spanning genres from nu-disco to pop ballad, they encapsulate their music and performance prowess to reaffirm the group's identity.
◆ First-anniversary rookies KickFlip add new flair with 'From KickFlip, To WeFlip'
KickFlip, who debuted last year and quickly cemented themselves as K-pop super rookies, dropped the new digital single 'From KickFlip, To WeFlip' on the 20th.
'Hyper Slide' is a dance track that blends drum-and-bass rhythms with digicore sound and hyper-emo sensibilities, distilling the personalities and energy of members Gyehoon, Donghwa, Minje, and K-Ju. 'Good Night' is a pop ballad spotlighting members Juwang and Donghyun's expressive vocals, beginning softly with piano before expanding to deliver dynamic appeal.
After releasing three mini albums in their debut year, performing at major global festivals, and sweeping multiple Rookie of the Year trophies, all eyes are on KickFlip's next moves in 2026.
◆ AxMxP tell a coming-of-age story with 'Amplify My Way' on the 21st
Band AxMxP return on the 21st with their first mini album 'Amplify My Way.' True to its name, the record champions the confidence to turn up your inner volume and move forward on your own terms, rather than conforming to the world's standards.
With their debut full-length 'AxMxP,' the band channeled the many experiences and vivid emotions of youth into music, presenting a prism of colors across 10 tracks. Now, they continue—and expand—that youth narrative with the keyword 'dream.'
All members participated in the songwriting to add authenticity. The new record includes seven tracks led by double title songs 'PASS' and 'Thereafter.' Member Ha Yujun wrote lyrics for every track, while Kim Shin wrote, composed, and arranged track seven, 'Be yours,' further strengthening AxMxP's storytelling.
◆ TNX showcase mature vibes with 'CALL ME BACK'—comeback on the 22nd
TNX will release their second digital single 'CALL ME BACK' on the 22nd.
Following the previous title 'For Real?,' member Eunhwi again participated in writing and composing. The song lays bare incomplete feelings—hesitation that arrives before certainty, even when both sides know they like each other.
With their fourth mini album 'For Real?' last year, TNX cemented their identity with signature TNX-style love songs. 'CALL ME BACK' continues that narrative with a more mature sound.
◆ MOMOLAND confess their true feelings with 'white spring' on the 23rd
MOMOLAND will release 'white spring' on the 23rd, a heartfelt confession to their fans.
The new track records moments when MOMOLAND and their official fan club 'Merry' became each other's warm spring throughout their journey together. Like spring returning after a cold winter, it captures the enduring bond with fans who have always offered warmth by their side.
MOMOLAND are loved as a representative K-pop group for their signature bright energy and mass appeal. With 'white spring,' they aim to charm the global market with a more mature, lyrical side—different from their uniquely hyped, performance-focused stages to date.