Stray Kids, RIIZE, ILLIT: K-pop heavyweights crowd November lineup

K-pop boy band Stray Kids / Courtsey of JYP Entertainment

By Pyo Kyung-min

• Published Nov 7, 2025 4:41 PM KST
• Updated Nov 10, 2025 2:19 PM KST

This November is proving to be one of K-pop's busiest months, with heavyweight acts and rising newcomers alike crowding the release calendar.

From veteran performers like Super Junior vocalist Kyuhyun and rapper Jessi to global powerhouses including Stray Kids and NCT DREAM, the month's lineup highlights shifting currents within the K-pop soundscape.

The comeback rush begins with ONF, a six-member boy band under WM Entertainment. Returning after a nine-month hiatus, the group will release its five-track mini-album "UNBROKEN" on Nov. 10, led by the title track "Put It Back."

Anchored by groovy bass lines and crisp electric guitar riffs, WM Entertainment described the song as having a funky edge and an addictive melody. The album also includes "Broken Map," "Moonlight Festa," "New Dawn" and "I Found You in Heaven," each broadening the record's sonic range.

A day later, rookie boy band CLOSE YOUR EYES will return with its third mini-album "blackout" on Nov. 11, led by double title tracks "X" and "SOB (with Imanbek)." According to agency UNCORE, the album takes on a darker tone than the group's earlier releases, signaling a stylistic shift from the act's debut in April.

Leader Jeon Min-wook took part in writing the lyrics for "X," infusing the track with the group's distinct musical identity. "SOB," meanwhile, features Kazakhstan-born DJ and Grammy Award winner Imanbek, marking his first-ever collaboration with a K-pop act.

Solo rapper-singer Jessi follows on Nov. 12 with her new EP "P.M.S." — short for "pretty mood swings." The five-track project marks her first extended play in five years since "NUNA" in 2020, and since launching her independent label, UNNI Company. Jessi last released the digital single "Newsflash" in June.

Mid-month also brings some major heavyweight releases.

SM Entertainment's seven-member unit NCT DREAM is set to unveil its sixth mini-album "Beat It Up" on Nov. 17. According to the company, the six-song record, led by the lead single of the same name, captures the group's signature high-energy performance style while exploring lyrical themes about growth and confidence.

The same day, co-ed project unit ALLDAY PROJECT under The Black Label will also issue its digital single "One More Time."

Balladeer Kyuhyun of Super Junior will make his long-awaited solo return with the EP "The Classic" on Nov. 20. Label Antenna described the record as a "seasonal collection of sentimental ballads" featuring live instrumentation and Kyuhyun's signature vocals.

One of the month's most anticipated releases comes from global chart-topper Stray Kids, who will drop “SKZ IT TAPE: DO IT” on Nov. 21. The album is produced entirely by the in-house unit 3RACHA, composed of members Bang Chan, Changbin and Han. JYP Entertainment said the project will feature dual title tracks "Do It" and "Sinseon Noreum," continuing the group's streak of self-produced albums following its May release "ATE."

The final week of the month will additionally spotlight two next-generation groups.

RIIZE, the six-member boy band under SM Entertainment, will release its second single album "Fame" on Nov. 24, six months after its viral hit "Odyssey." The three-track record, according to SM, "explores the excitement and loneliness that come with public recognition," further developing the group's signature "emotional pop" sound.

Also on Nov. 24, HYBE Label's rookie girl group ILLIT will return with "NOT CUTE ANYMORE." The five-member act, managed by HYBE subsidiary Belift Lab, will showcase a bolder image following its June release of "Do the Dance," which carried a lighter magical-girl theme.

Ahead of its comeback, ILLIT will also hold a two-day encore fan event, "2025 ILLIT Glitter Day in Seoul Encore," at the Olympic Hall in Seoul's Songpa District, Nov. 8–9, building anticipation for the new release.