Hallyu Line
Lee Hyo-ri returns with new album
Lee Hyo-ri
K-pop singer Lee Hyo-ri will release a new album in May for the first time in three years.
According to B2M, her management agency, the 34-year-old will come back with her first new album since she released her fourth album, titled “H-Logic,” in April 2010.
She has not yet decided the title of the album, which was produced by Kim Ji-woong.
“Most of the songs have been recorded so far. As she has showcased diverse dance songs tinged with hip-hop in her previous recordings, this time she will be likely to choose a dance song as the title track for the new album also,” the agency said. Rapper Beenzino guests on the album.
Lee posted messages on her fan cafe websites in February, saying she wants to stick to a full-length album rather than release digital singles or mini albums, despite the accompanying difficulties.
“I want to more seriously make the album, so that takes more time. Please listen to all of the 10 tracks even if they are too long,” she said.
Lee is expected to appear on television shows to promote her album release.
Lee made her debut in the music scene as a member of girl group Fin.K.L in 1998, then departed to pursue a solo career in 2003.
U-KISS to launch 'splinter band'
Eli of boy band U-KISS
K-pop boy band U-KISS will launch a sub-group U-BEAT, its first since the group debuted in 2008.
NH Media said the two-member spinoff from the original group will consist of Eli and AJ. The duo will release a first mini album at the end of this month.
U-KISS comprises of seven members ― Soohyun, Kiseop, Eli, Kevin, Dongho, Hoon and AJ.
NH Media said U-BEAT is a combined word from U-KISS and BEAT in an attempt to show its unique music style featuring groovy beats.
Currently, K-pop groups are focusing on sub-group activities as they often have too many group members to showcase their individual musical styles.
SISTAR19, Super Junior-M and INFINITE H are among the increasing number of K-pop group spinoffs.