It’s been an entertaining month this May, as major K-pop groups and solo acts have been busy releasing new music to get into the cheery summer mood. From BTS’ Jin’s latest dual title tracks and Twice teasing their upcoming full-length album to Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi breaking the internet, find out what you missed in the K-pop world ahead.
Seventeen invites you to their birthday party in ‘Thunder’ teaser
Seventeen is gearing up for their upcoming fifth studio album, Happy Burstday, with the first look of its title track ‘Thunder’. Featuring a grungy and punk-rock aesthetic, Happy Burstday celebrates the group’s 10th anniversary with an “explosive rebirth” into a new era of their artistry. The album will be released on 26 May—check out the rest of the tracklist in the highlight medley below, which comes with 8D audio and an interactive 360 cam.
Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi sizzle with chemistry
Another highly anticipated comeback is Red Velvet’s subunit Irene & Seulgi. The pair’s concept photos quickly set the internet abuzz with their homoerotic and sapphic undertones.
On 22 May, the music video teaser for their title track ‘Tilt’ only further showcased the members’ sizzling chemistry and allure. Fans of the subunit would know that this is a common theme for the pair, as seen in their debut release, ‘Monster’, in 2020. ‘Tilt’ releases on 26 May.
Woodz tops music charts with viral hit ‘Drowning’
If there’s one idol who epitomises the saying, “Slow and steady wins the race,” it would be Woodz. Two years after the release of ‘Drowning’, the song achieved a double crown on this week’s Circle charts, beating out the likes of Jennie and G-Dragon. Before this, the pop ballad won first place on SBS’ Inkigayo despite no promotions or live performances—Woodz (real name Cho Seung Youn) is currently still acting out his military service.
‘Drowning’ first went viral after Woodz performed it on a special Armed Forces edition of Immortal Songs back in October 2024. Clad in his military uniform, the singer wowed audiences with his impressive live vocals. Check out the incredible performance above!
Twice welcomes new era with fourth full-length album
If you’ve been hoping for new music from Twice, you won’t have to wait too long! On 21 May, the popular girl group unveiled the first teaser for their fourth studio album, titled This is For. In it, all the members are seen with long, black hair and wearing matching blue two-piece sets with ‘Four’ written on the skirts. We’re smelling another iconic era!
Baekyun shows his star power in suave comeback
Baekhyun of EXO fame continues to show his success as a solo artist by becoming a four-time consecutive million-seller. According to his agency INB100, the singer’s fifth mini album Essence of Reverie, released on 19 May, surpassed one million copies sold in just three days.
With ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Elevator’ serving as the EP’s dual title tracks, Baekyun showcases his buttery-smooth vocals in this pop R&B-laden record. Stream Essence of Reverie below!
BTS’ Jin sings of love and heartbreak in ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’
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On 16 May, BTS’ Jin made his highly anticipated comeback with his latest solo EP Echo. The title track, ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’, was quick to dominate the iTunes Top Songs chart in at least 61 countries upon its release.
Starring actress Shin Se Kyung as his on-screen lover, the cinematic music video was filmed in various iconic landmarks of Singapore, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Emerald Hill, and National Gallery Singapore. Stream the EP below!
Lisa and Tyla dazzle in ‘When I’m With You’ MV
Lisa’s Alter Ego album has several fan-favourites, and ‘When I’m With You’, featuring Amapiano princess Tyla, is one of them. On 16 May, the Blackpink star surprised her fans by dropping a music video! In line with the sensual nature of the song, the MV sees Lisa and Tyla (who are also good friends IRL) basking in the sun and dripping in water as they sing about controlling or giving in to their desire. Read our thoughts on her album here.
IU confirms new album and music video starring Cha Eun Woo
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The Queen of K-pop is returning! On 15 May, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment confirmed that the singer is set to release Flower Bookmark 3 on 27 May. This is the third album in IU’s Flower Bookmark series and will continue to explore the singer’s interpretations of classic Korean songs.
IU’s upcoming music video will also star Cha Eun Woo in a special cameo appearance. Previously, BTS’ V was her on-screen partner for ‘Love Wins All’. This comeback marks her return to music one year and three months since her mini album The Winning in February 2024.
For more K-pop news, head here.
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