BTS’ V solo debut—and other breaking K-pop news in August 2023
What's K-poppin'?
August has been proving to be yet another eventful month in the world of K-pop. From exciting solo debuts of members from BTS and Twice to addictive summer hits, here is the biggest K-pop news you might have missed.
Jihyo exudes girl-boss energy in Killin’ Me Good
On 18 August, Twice’s leader and main vocalist Jihyo officially made her solo debut with her EP Zone! This has been a long time coming for the fandom (known as Once) as Jihyo is known to be one of the idols with the longest training period of 10 years since the tender age of eight. On the same day, the music video for her title track Killin’ Me Good was also released. Featuring snappy dance moves, the single is a groovy and powerful anthem befitting of her vocals. Zone contains seven tracks and Jihyo also took part in the lyrics and composition of her debut EP. Stream it below!
Jeon Somi is your future lover in Fast Forward
After going viral with Dumb Dumb in 2021, Jeon Somi is back with another banger. Showing off her dynamic moves and smooth vocals, Fast Forward is a song in the deep house genre that we’re sure will be featured in many music festivals in the future. Featuring a DJ-heavy dance sound and fun choreography, Fast Forward is the title track from Somi’s EP Game Plan which has a total of five songs. Aside from the title track, the Birthday singer wrote and composed four out of the five tracks.
BTS’ V pleases fans with R&B solo music videos
Another member who has been causing a frenzy in the K-pop world with his solo debut is none other than BTS’ V. With the date of his debut EP Layover set for 6 September, the singer will be dropping six music videos—one for each of his tracks—much to his fans’ delight. So far, V has released two music videos—Love Me Again on 10 August and Rainy Days on 11 August.
Both songs are in the pop R&B genre, reflecting V’s long-time interest in jazz and soulful music. His next music video, Blue, will be released on 22 August. On 17 August, BigHit Music announced the next promotional schedule for his upcoming EP. V’s previously released songs Winter Bear, Scenery and Snow Flower (they were only released on YouTube as a special gift for fans) will be officially available on streaming platforms come 28 August.
NewJeans and TXT stun at Lollapalooza 2023
K-pop had a big year at Lollapalooza 2023, one of the world’s most highly anticipated and biggest music festivals. Namely, NewJeans made their American stage debut in California after just a year into their debut.
Further, BigHit Music’s TXT (which stands for Tomorrow X Together) headlined the festival, becoming the first K-pop group to do so for the main festival event. The five members performed 20 songs during their 90-minute set with high-energy songs including Good Boy Gone Bad, Lo$er=Lover and Sugar Rush Ride.
Aespa is off doing Better Things this summer
On 18 August, Aespa returned with their new all-English single Better Things, a follow-up to Hold On Tight released in March. Stepping away from their usual cyberpunk aesthetic and sound, the song delivers gorgeous tropical-inspired visuals and a relaxing chorus. Better Things promises to be a refreshing summer hit for fans all over the world.
Suga is the next BTS member to enlist in the military
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On August 7, Bighit Music announced that Suga of BTS is officially preparing for his military enlistment. This comes after the rapper—who goes under the moniker Agust D for his solo works—completed his D-Day World Tour and returned to South Korea after a year on the road.
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Whilst ARMYs were saddened by the news, emotions quickly changed when tattooist PolyC finally revealed Suga’s ‘7’ tattoo on his Instagram page on 10 August. This solves a long mystery for ARMYs as they tried to figure out the location of the band’s friendship tattoo on the notoriously private rapper.
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