The biggest K-pop comebacks from NewJeans, BTS’ RM and more

From the May comeback rush full of thrilling K-pop releases just in time for the summer to exciting collaborations, get caught up on the biggest K-pop news in music and entertainment you might have missed this month. 

 

NewJeans brings the summer cool with How Sweet and Bubble Gum

Bunnies, your favourite girls have finally arrived with refreshing new music! On 24 May, NewJeans made a triumphant return to the K-pop scene with their highly anticipated single, How Sweet. The song was released under its eponymous EP which also features their pre-release track, Bubble Gum. As per NewJeans’ signature style and sound, both singles are pure pop inertia, delivering light and airy melodies that bring a cool breeze to the summer season.

NewJeans’ comeback has also been subject to further attention and scrutiny due to the ongoing legal battle between their record label’s CEO Min Hee Jin and Hybe Labels. Currently, the group will continue their promotions as scheduled and are preparing for their Japan tour at the historic Tokyo Dome. The youngest member, Hyein, will not be participating in How Sweet’s promotions due to a leg injury. Stream the EP below!

 

RM gets personal in Right Place, Wrong Person

Another exciting music release is the long-awaited second studio album from BTS’ leader and rapper, RM. The record sees the artist explore the alternative indie genre and is led by the title track, Lost. In the lyrics and cinematic music video, the song gets personal about feelings of longing and purposelessness. As a whole, Right Place, Wrong Person delves deep into the complexities of universal human emotions that everyone has felt at one point in their lives and features cutting and poetic lyrics the K-pop star is known for. Stream the 11-track album below.

 

Seventeen’s vocal team Cheers to Youth in heartwarming music video

On 24 May, Seventeen’s vocal unit consisting of Joshua, Woozi, Jeonghan, Seungkwan and DK released the music video for their song, Cheers to Youth. Featuring the members’ diverse vocal range in this J-rock-inspired anthem, the song encourages listeners to live in the moment and appreciate precious friendships. Cheers to Youth is a new single off the group’s best-of album 17 is Right Here. 

This music video comes off a surprise announcement on 20 May that Seventeen will debut a new unit with members Jeonghan and Wonwoo. The pair will release  a single album with the title track, This Man, on 17 June. Check out the teaser below!

 

Kim Woo Bin and Suzy make a sweet reunion

K-drama powerhouses Kim Woo Bin and Suzy will be back on-screen again as lovers in Netflix’s upcoming drama! The highly anticipated production is helmed by renowned writer Kim Eun Sook (The Glory) and director Lee Byeong Heon, making fans excited for another hit K-drama. An enchanting blend of fantasy, romance and comedy, All the Love You Wish For explores the story of Jinn, a genie who awakened after 1000 years, and Ka Young, his new impassive master. This marks the second time the A-list actors are reuniting as an on-screen couple since Uncontrollably Fond in 2016. Keep your eyes peeled! 

 

B.I shows off his rizz in Tasty 

The latest K-pop idol to join the May comeback rush is B.I, who dropped his new single, Tasty. Best known for producing catchy hip-hop tunes, the rapper’s new single is described as “a raw and powerful hip-hop song that exudes confidence as it narrates a man’s bold approach to the girl he admires.” Tasty is also a collaboration with American producer Malibu Babie, who has worked with artists such as Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. Catch him perform Tasty live in KL this June here!

 

Nayeon captivates in solo comeback concept photos

Most K-pop fans will remember the Pop fever that took over social media two summers ago but Nayeon is not making her fans wait any longer! On 13 May,  the Twice member officially announced that her long-awaited solo comeback is on the horizon. The title track (which has not been revealed yet) will be part of her second solo mini album Na out on 14 June. Judging from the pink-tinged concept photos and colourful styling, we have a feeling the summer track is going to be another catchy earworm just like her debut single, Pop!

 

BTS RM implores his lover to Come back to me

RM may be in the military right now but that doesn’t mean he’s not serving his ARMY fandom! On 10 May, fans finally got to hear his indie pop track, Come back to me, which the rapper first teased during a performance at member Suga’s solo concert. The song further explores the album’s main theme of right and wrong and features RM in an acting-heavy role in the retro music video. 

 

Aespa stuns as superbeings in Supernova

The ae-vatar girls are back! On 13 May, the quartet proved their star power (pun intended) with their pre-release song, Supernova. Featuring a heavy synth bass, the funky dance track further explores the group’s futuristic concept of AI and augmented reality. Upon release, the song achieved a perfect all-kill on all major domestic music charts and has already surpassed 14 million streams on Spotify. The song builds anticipation for Aespa’s other title track, Armageddon, on 27 May which will be released on the same day as their first full-length studio album of the same name. 

 

IVE battle between good and evil in Accendio

Popular girl group IVE returned on 15 May with the highly-anticipated music video for Accendio, their second title track from their latest EP Ive Switch. Using fantastical elements, the music video shows the members battling their evil counterparts to protect a magical wand. The song precedes their pre-release track, Heya, which explores South Korean folklore. Stream their EP below.

 

Stray Kids and Charlie Puth team up for Lose My Breath

K-pop collaborations with Western artists are proving to be the norm in the industry now–and the latest group to do so is Stray Kids with Charlie Puth! On 10 May, the boy group released their new English single, Lose My Breath, which explores the overwhelming feeling of being around someone you like. Puth along with Stray Kids’ Bang Chan, Han and Changbin, participated in the lyrics and composition of the song.

 

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