Nayeon dominates with ‘ABCD’, Rosé’s music update and more K-pop news
In the K-pop world
As usual, get the low down on the biggest K-pop happenings this month, from exciting comebacks by Nayeon and Seventeen to Rosé’s new venture from YG Entertainment.
Lisa becomes a rockstar in first teaser images of her solo comeback
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If you’ve been eagerly awaiting more of Lisa’s solo music since her smash hits Lalisa and Money in 2021, you’re in luck! After joining TikTok, the youngest Blackpink member released snippets of new music in a series of TikTok videos that got fans excited about the singer’s new sound. On 20 June, Lisa dropped her first teaser image for Rockstar, looking every bit the part with her edgy styling. The single drops on 27 June and marks her first music release under her entertainment company, LLoud.
Aespa drops surprise music video for Live My Life
Aespa has been dominating the charts with the release of their first full-length studio album, Armageddon. On 19 June, the quartet surprised fans with a music video for one of their side tracks, Live My Life. Perfectly showcasing the group’s impressive vocals and rock sound, the music video and song explores themes such as living life unapologetically and going after your dreams. Check out other songs on Armageddon below.
Rosé signs with The Black Label as a solo artist
After months of speculation, Rosé of Blackpink has finally revealed her next move in her music career. On 19 June, the singer took to her Instagram to address and confirm the news that she has signed an exclusive contract with The Black Label as a solo artist. Formerly a subsidiary of YG Entertainment, The Black Label is currently an independent record label and houses artists such as Park Bo Gum, Jeon Somi and Zion T.
“As you all know, I have come from a place where more things have been done for me over doing things on my own. So, naturally, I need time to learn, understand, doubt and trust myself and others countless times to be the most responsible person I can be for myself,” the singer writes in her captions. “I really hate saying that I have something before I really do. And to me, there is nothing more important than delivering to you what I absolutely love, which is music.”
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“Ultimately, I am happy to announce that I am officially working with The Black Label as my music management who will be managing my curriculum and helping me navigate towards achieving my dreams…Label, management, all of that stuff, they will all be there to support my music and my dreams. And I am SO excited for that,” Rosé explains.
With this announcement, all four Blackpink members have confirmed their solo endeavours: Jennie with Odd Atelier, Lisa with LLoud, Jisoo with Blissoo and Rosé at The Black Label.
K.will returns with the sequel to his legendary music video after 13 years
Early K-pop fans will remember the iconic music video for K.will’s song Please Don’t back in 2011 (if you haven’t, watch that first for some context and prepare yourself for an absolute plot twist at the end!). Now 13 years later, the renowned ballad singer is back with a sequel starring the original actors, Seo In Guk and Ahn Jae Hyun. Titled No Songs Can Express Me, the cinematic music video explores the emotional relationship between two friends who reunite after 10 years.
Jimin teases second solo album, Muse
지민 (Jimin) ‘MUSE’2024.07.19. 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)#지민 #Jimin #Jimin_MUSE pic.twitter.com/2lat4svLXq
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 17, 2024
On 18 June, ARMYs all over the world received a surprise message from BigHit to join its official broadcast channel on Instagram. In it, fans received news of Jimin’s second solo album, Muse, along with a teaser video!
#지민 #Jimin ‘MUSE’ Tracklist#Jimin_MUSE #Jimin_Who#SmeraldoGardenMarchingBand #SGMB pic.twitter.com/s7n7pZ42cB
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) June 20, 2024
The tracklist was then revealed on 20 June, with Who announced as the title track. The full tracklist also revealed that his songs will feature Loco and Sofia Carson.
“Following his first solo album, Face, where he sought to explore his true identity, Muse documents his journey in search of the source of his inspiration,” the official press release states. Featuring seven tracks, the album will also include Jimin’s fan song Closer Than This which was first released in December 2023. The title track and music video are scheduled to drop on 19 July.
Jeonghan and Wonwoo are mysterious rivals in Last Night
On 17 June, Seventeen members Jeonghan and Wonwoo made their unit debut with their single album This Man. Their title track, Last Night, sees the two K-pop idols in a mysterious and fantastical setting as they engage in a cat-and-mouse chase. Their single album also include a solo song from each artist, showcasing their musical range and songwriting abilities. Stream it below!
NewJeans drops Right Now ahead of their Japanese debut
After the group’s comeback with How Sweet last month, NewJeans is quickly gearing up for their Japanese debut with the release of Right Now. The song, which leans heavily into the drum and bass genre, continues the popular girl group’s distinct Y2K sound and aesthetic. The fun music video also features their Powerpuff Girl characters and collaboration with acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and his iconic Flowers motif.
The group has also released two teaser videos for their upcoming title track Supernatural, which drops on 21 June. NewJeans’ comeback comes after their label’s CEO Min Hee Jin and Hybe Labels’ legal battle—read more about that here.
Nayeon makes a triumphant summer return with ABCD
In 2022, the summer was dominated by the catchy tunes of Pop as Nayeon made waves with her solo debut. Now, the Twice member is back with an equally addictive track, this time embodying a more mature and sensual sound inspired by early 2000s pop queens such as Christina Arguilera and Beyoncé. Listen to ABCD below!
Jungkook tells ARMY to Never Let Go
To celebrate BTS’ 11th year anniversary, BTS’ Jungkook released a special fan song, Never Let Go, while he is still carrying out his military service. Since its release, the artist has made several historic milestones. The song entered Billboard’s Global 200 at number 20 and debuted at number three on the Digital Song Sales chart this week, meaning it is the third best-selling song of the week in the US.
Furthermore, Jungkook is currently the first K-pop artist in history to chart seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100, which includes Never Let Go, Stay Alive, Left and Right, Seven, 3D, Too Much, and Standing Next To You.
Jin is officially discharged from the military
In another piece of exciting BTS news, Jin has been officially discharged from military duty after 18 months! On 12 June, his fellow bandmates were seen welcoming the oldest member with warm hugs. Jin’s discharge comes just in time for the group’s 11th anniversary (known as BTS Festa) which falls on 23 June. As the only member hosting the anniversary party, Jin held a special event where he hugged 1000 lucky ARMYs and performed various songs. Welcome back, Jin!
For more K-pop news, head here.
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