EXO, TWICE, Monsta X: K-pop giants releasing new music in June
By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop lovers have been busy enjoying the music of A-listers like BTS and NCT DREAM for the last month. For them, June is expected to be another thrilling month, with more star groups poised to return with new songs.
1. Monsta X (June 1)
Teasers for Monsta X's new mini-album “One of a Kind” / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
The first in the starting lineup is K-pop boy band Monsta X, which will unleash its ninth mini-album, “One of a Kind,” June 1. Fronted by the lead single, “Gambler,” the album will carry six more tracks including “Heaven,” “Addicted,” and “Bebe.”
According to the group's record label Starship Entertainment, member Joohoney took part in composing the lead track, while I.M and Hyungwon contributed to the creation of other pieces such as “Secrets.”
Starship has so far floated a number of teasers to give a glimpse into the upcoming release. These photos, which were taken in different concepts, shed light on the members' diverse charms ranging from charisma to tenderness.
2. MAMAMOO (June 2)
Teasers for MAMAMOO's new album “WAW” / Courtesy of RBW
K-pop girl group MAMAOO is scheduled to release its fresh album, “WAW,” only one day after Monsta X.
“WAW” ― an abbreviation of “Where Are We” ― is also the name of the band's new project, in which the quartet will bring to the fore their authentic thoughts and emotions through various means.
For the first time since its debut in 2014, MAMAMOO has picked a ballad as its lead track, but its title has been kept under wraps.
On May 25, the four-piece act took to its official YouTube channel to showcase a short clip offering a taste of the lead single. In the video, the singers, sporting white dresses, are seen crooning in the middle of a forest.
3. EXO (June 7)
A poster for EXO's upcoming album “Don't Fight the Feeling” / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Next in the lineup is K-pop titan EXO, which will put out its new album, “Don't Fight the Feeling,” June 7. The five-track album will be fronted by the title track. SM Entertainment, home to EXO, revealed that it is a rhythmical dance song highlighted by synthesizers and bass.
“Its lyrics tell people to believe in themselves when making choices in their lives, and to walk a straight line,” SM said in a statement, May 24.
Until now, the company has disclosed teaser images of the six members ― Xiumin, D.O, Baekhyun, Kai, Chanyeol and Sehun. The photos feature each of them crash-landing on mysterious planets.
Given that Baekhyun and Chanyeol are currently on their obligatory military service, the two will be unable to take part in promotional activities. But they will still appear on the second season of EXO's pre-filmed game show, “I'll Show You ― EXO Arcade,” which is set to be released on May 31. Two other members ― Suho and Chen ― are also enlisted in the military now.
In April, the members unveiled the filming site for their music video and hinted that the fresh album has a connection to their 2017 release “Power.”
4. TWICE (June 9)
A teaser image for TWICE's new album “Taste of Love” / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
K-pop girl band TWICE will pick up the baton on June 9. The lead single of its forthcoming release, “Taste of Love,” will hit multiple streaming charts on June 9. The nine-piece act will unveil its music video on the same day, but its album will hit shelves on June 11.
TWICE's management company JYP Entertainment dropped three teasers on May 21. In the photos, the nine members sport dazzling summer outfits, giving off summery vibes.
“Through Taste of Love, TWICE will express different emotions people feel when they are in love,” JYP said in a statement.
Although the name of the lead track has not been announced, the company said it will be the band's third summer song, following “Dance the Night Away” (2018) and “More & More” (2020).
5. SEVENTEEN (June 18)
A poster for “Bittersweet,” the digital single by SEVENTEEN members Mingyu and Wonwoo / Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
Boy band SEVENTEEN's eighth mini-album, “Your Choice,” will come out on June 18. The 13-piece group displayed a trailer titled “Power of Love” on May 18. After releasing this video, its agency Pledis Entertainment hinted that SEVENTEEN will explore various emotions related to love through its new project, "Power of Love."
Pledis revealed Tuesday a cinematic photo of two members, Wonwoo and Mingyu, who will drop the digital single “Bittersweet” on May 28 prior to the release of “Your Choice.” The track features high-profile female soloist Lee Hi.
SEVENTEEN appeared on popular American shows recently including “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”