Despite a sudden cold snap and yellow dust hitting late April, a wave of fresh comebacks is set to brighten listeners' playlists.
NCT WISH and Super Junior's Donghae just dropped their first full-length albums, while UNCHILD officially steps into the K-pop arena. B1A4 are back with familiar faces, and Wanna One's main vocalist Kim Jae Hwan is ready to melt hearts with a soothing new release.
◆ NCT WISH smashes first-day million sales — a career high
NCT WISH made their comeback on the 20th with their first studio album 'Ode to Love' — and they immediately hit a new career peak.
On release day, title track 'Ode to Love' soared to No. 3 on Melon Top 100 and No. 1 on Hot 100, marking the group's best chart performance yet. The album also moved 1,285,184 copies on day one, making them million-sellers — their fastest record to date and the team's third million-seller overall.
Their overseas momentum is just as explosive. NCT WISH topped the QQ Music digital album sales chart in China, ranked No. 1 on Tencent Music's combined K-pop chart across five platforms, hit No. 1 on Japan's AWA real-time rising chart, and No. 2 on LINE MUSIC's real-time album ranking.
NCT WISH's first full-length 'Ode to Love' is now available on all major streaming platforms, featuring 10 tracks including the title song.
◆ Super Junior's Donghae drops first studio album 'ALIVE' on the 20th
On the same day, Super Junior member Donghae unveiled the album that channels his 21 years in music, releasing his first full-length 'ALIVE' across major platforms.
The record captures his brightest moments and candid emotions, weaving a 'being alive' narrative across 13 tracks. Donghae wrote and composed 11 out of the 13 songs, proving his chops as a singer-songwriter.
The title track 'Here Comes the Sun' links the image of the rising sun to the symbolism of the name 'Donghae', delivering unstoppable energy and confidence over a Brazilian funk-style synth bass. The second title track 'Good Day' is a warm, uplifting gospel-based pop cut featuring distinctive guest verses from Jay Park and 1iL.
Donghae will stay busy post-release, including a solo concert tour across seven Asian cities.
◆ UNCHILD debuts on the 21st with 'We Are UNCHILD'
On the 21st, rookie group UNCHILD took their first official step into K-pop with debut single 'We Are UNCHILD', showcasing an original concept and high-energy sound. They are the first new act from High Up Entertainment in six years since STAYC. The six-member lineup features former 'dance prodigy' Na Ha-eun, joined by Park Ye-eun, Hiki, Tina, Ako, and Yvonne.
The debut track 'UNCHILD' is an electronic pop song with a standout garage-inspired sound. It carries a bold message about leaping over fear and charging into new adventures, powered by gritty electric guitar riffs and psychedelic textures. High Up's head producer Rado took part in crafting the song, honing a color that fits UNCHILD perfectly.
Through teasers, UNCHILD has already cemented a unique identity with neon-drenched visuals, a 'freaky mood' that embraces quirky originality, and a rebellious frog symbol that breaks the mold. With Gen Z's free-spirited flair, all eyes are on how UNCHILD's rule-breaking move will shake up the scene.
◆ B1A4 marks 15 years with 9th mini album — first in 2 years and 3 months
Also on the 21st, B1A4 returned to fans with their 9th mini album 'SET'. It's their first release in 2 years and 3 months since their 8th mini 'CONNECT' in January 2024, raising expectations.
If the previous project expressed the constant connection between members and fans despite time apart, this album represents a set finally completed as one cohesive form — and plays on the Korean word for 'three' ('set'). It also officially kicks off B1A4's 15th-anniversary project since their April 21, 2011 debut.
B1A4 will promote on music shows immediately, followed by an outdoor public concert on May 2 at Sebitseom.
◆ Wanna One's main vocalist Kim Jae Hwan drops 'I'll Come Get You Now' on the 22nd
Kim Jae Hwan returns with a warm, spring-like comfort.
At 6 p.m. today (22nd), he releases the digital single 'I'll Come Get You Now' on major platforms.
'I'll Come Get You Now' is his first post-military release — a rock ballad that promises steadfast love and comfort through the toughest moments. Kim participated in writing, composing, and even guitar performance, adding authenticity to the music.
As Wanna One's former main vocalist, he's expected to showcase even deeper emotion with this new track.