From groups like aespa, ENHYPEN and ZEROBASEONE to solo stars like MARK, Sorn, Hongseok, Ryu Sujeong and Yein, which new song gets your vote?
aespa
SM Entertainment
Every week, the Korean music scene delivers great songs across genres and styles, and last week was no exception, with a heavy selection of hits with global potential, satisfyingly nostalgic duets, and some of 2024's most promising new artists.
Internationally adored groups such as aespa and ENHYPEN have both released new singles to tide over their die-hard fans while they await their next full-lengths. Meanwhile, K-pop fans were treated to meaningful duets as Lovelyz members Ryu Sujeong and Yein teamed up for a collaboration (albeit co-produced and written by Hot 100 artist XYLØ), while Sorn and Hongseok also duetted for a new track that showcased an ongoing bond even after they both left their previous record label, Cube Entertainment. Alongside newcomers such as DXMON and Yungin, who embrace a range of unique genres and concepts to connect with audiences, there's also K-pop sensations ZEROBASEONE and their new single “Feel the POP” which pairs perfectly with the warm Cairo.
As the K-pop industry moves at a fast pace, it's important to stop and appreciate the innovation and diversity it brings to its various acts. Last week, Advertising sign Readers chose Stray Kids' “Lose My Breath” as the top K-pop pick of the week, but fans of Lim Young Woong, Yook Sungjae, BM, and DO all came out in strong support.
Take some time to explore these nine new gems that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a permanent spot on your playlist. Then vote in our poll for the top of K-pop for the past week.
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aespa, “Supernova”
A slinky synth-pop track in preparation for the girl group's first full-length album, Armageddonon May 24. The cosmic-inspired “Supernova” returns aespa to their most delightfully experimental form and seems to have it also found fans at NASA.
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ALICE, “Milky Way”
Despite five members leaving the underrated girl group in the past two months due to contract expirations or leaving the industry, ALICE released new single 'Milky Way' on May 13, likely marking the last single from ALICE.
Despite the uncertain circumstances surrounding the band, “Milky Way” is undoubtedly a high note to go out on for a serving of saccharine bubblegum that the “Dance On” girls were known for delivering.
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Yungin, Paul Blanco & Changmo, “Homesick”
Three Korean hip-hop and R&B heavyweights team up for one of the best shape-shifting, genre-bending tracks to hit the scene this year.
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ENHYPEN, “Fatal Trouble”
Image credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
The emotionally charged new track from ENHYPEN's special album SOUVENIRS takes all the drama of the best boy band BELIFT LAB and combines it with a cinematic animated music video.
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Ryu Sujeong & Yein, “Orange Juice”
While Ryu Sujeong has spent most of 2024 working on experimental crossover material with Hot 100 artist XYLØ, her new song “Orange Juice” reunites her with former Lovelyz bandmate Yein. With XYLØ assisting with production and songwriting, the girl group members' collaboration reminds us of what made Lovelyz so special and their continued potential as individual artists.
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ZEROBASEONE, “Feel the POP”
A refreshing return for the K-pop senses, “Feel the POP” allows the boys of ZB1 to showcase their bubbly effervescence in the perfect single in the heart of spring.
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Sorn & Hongseok, “Crazy Stupid Lovers”
Both former artists signed to major K-pop label Cube Entertainment, Sorn of CLC and Hongseok of PENTAGON come together for an extremely sweet and satisfying duet for those who watched their groups debut within a year of each other.
'crazy stupid lovers' also marks a reunion of Sorn and Hongseok nearly six years after they first sang “Follow your dreams,” a track released as part of the label's Cube 2016 collection A which gathered different artists under the agency, including (G)I-DLE, BToB, HyunA and more.
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MARK, “200”
Image credit: JungMin Park
NCT's MVP has revealed new solo single “200” ahead of announcing his debut album which will drop in February 2025. While that may seem like an incredibly long wait for MARK's debut LP, songs like ” 200″ prove it's more than worth the wait.
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DXMON, “Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls”
Up-and-coming rookie group DXMON took the K-pop scene by storm with a punk-rock performance for their January debut. The sextet follows with “Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls” which takes a lighter approach but still packs a punch of intense nostalgia that could signal a signature style for the new group.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-kpop-of-week-enhypen-aespa-zerobaseone-ryu-su-jeong-sorn-vote/
