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From BLACKPINK, TWICE to NCT, TXT: Big names lead K-pop's July jam session
From left are K-pop girl group BLACKPINK members Rose, Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa. Newsis
By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop is turning up the heat this July as top-tier acts BLACKPINK, TWICE, NCT DREAM, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and more gear up for high-profile releases in what's shaping up to be a jam-packed summer lineup.
The month begins with a faceoff between two of the genre's most iconic girl groups: BLACKPINK from YG Entertainment and TWICE from JYPE.
BLACKPINK will unveil a new song during the group's upcoming "DEADLINE" world concert tour, slated for Saturday and Sunday at the Goyang Sports Complex, Gyeonggi Province.
This marks the group's first release as a full unit in two years and eight months, following its 2022 studio album "BORN PINK." Expectations are sky-high, especially as all four members have risen to global A-list status during the hiatus — from Rosé’s “APT” and Jennie’s “Mantra” to Lisa’s “Rockstar” and Jisoo’s “Amortage.”
Details about the new song remain under wraps, though its music video was reportedly filmed in Korea.
K-pop girl group TWICE / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
TWICE will release its fourth full-length album, "THIS IS FOR," on July 11, the band's first studio album since "Formula of Love: O＋T=＜3" back in November 2021. The new album features 14 tracks, including the eponymous title song and "Four," "Options" "Mars," "Right Hand Girl" and "Peach Gelato"
Several other girl groups are also eyeing the spotlight this season.
BABYMONSTER, YG's rising seven-member group, released its new single "HOT SAUCE" Tuesday. Although member Rami is currently on a temporary hiatus due to health reasons, the track promises to deliver the group's signature live energy with its reimagination of old-school hip-hop.
Made up of former GFriend members SinB, Eunha and Umji, ViViZ also returns Tuesday with its first full-length album, "A Montage of ( )." Rookie five-piece girl group RESCENE also drops "Dearest" and its title track "Deja Vu" on Wednesday.
K-pop boy band NCT DREAM / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
On the boy band front, NCT DREAM will release its fifth full-length album, "Go Back To The Future," on July 14. According to SM, the title track "CHILLER" aims to channel the band's signature bright, upbeat summer style.
TXT, under HYBE's BigHit Music, also returns with its fourth full-length album, "The Star Chapter: TOGETHER," on July 21, again fusing genre-fluid production with lyrical storytelling.
Veteran K-pop group Super Junior will commemorate the band's 20th anniversary with the release of its 12th studio album, "Super Junior25," on Tuesday. Newcomers Close Your Eyes will also make a rapid return on July 9 with their second EP, "Snowy Summer."
Co-ed quartet KARD also returns Wednesday with its eighth mini-album, "DRIFT," and the 2000s-inspired title track "Touch."
Rock band CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa, left, and singer Onew from K-pop act SHINee / Courtesy of FNC, Griffin Entertainment
Solo acts are also making welcome returns. Boy band EXO's vocalist D.O. will release his first full solo album, "BLISS," on Monday, while Jeon Somi returns the same day with a digital single, "EXTRA."
Jung Yong-hwa of the rock band CNBLUE is set to drop his third mini-album, "One Last Day," on Thursday, led by the track "Night Runner." As with his previous work, "YOUR CITY," Jung reportedly took part in writing and composing the upcoming record.
SHINee's Onew will also release his second full-length album, "PERCENT," on July 15. On the same day, ASTRO's Sanha unveils his second solo mini-album, "CHAMELEON."