May is K-pop's biggest month for girl groups' releases in years

From left are K-pop girl group ITZY members Lia, Chaeryeong, Ryujin, Yuna and Yeji. The group is set to release its new mini album "Motto" on May 18. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

A crowded slate of K-pop girl group releases is set to define May, with BABYMONSTER, NMIXX, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM and aespa all returning within weeks of one another. Adding to the momentum is a long-awaited reunion by I.O.I, nearly a decade after its disbandment, setting up one of the most competitive release windows.

YG Entertainment's youngest act BABYMONSTER opens the month May 4 with its third mini-album, "CHOOM." Positioned as an heir to the company's girl group lineage that includes BLACKPINK and 2NE1, the group has similarly built global attention since debut through performance-focused releases.

According to YG, the new album spans hip-hop, dance and R&B, with the lead track and B-sides “MOON,” “I LIKE IT” and “LOCKED IN” aimed at showcasing the group's range.

K-pop girl group NMIXX is set to release "Heavy Serenade," its fifth mini-album May 11. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

Girl group NMIXX under JYP Entertainment follows May 11 with its fifth mini-album, "Heavy Serenade." The title track was reportedly co-written by singer-songwriter Hanroro, known for sentimental hits "0+0," "1111" and "Let Me Love My Youth."

After debuting with its self-described "MIXX-pop" genre in 2022 to mixed reactions, the six-piece group gained broader traction with "Blue Valentine" in October 2025. The new release arrives roughly seven months after that shift.

ITZY, also from JYP, returns May 18 with "Motto," an eight-track release featuring the tracks "Glitch" and "You and I," and five solo performances from each of the five members first unveiled during its third world tour, "TUNNEL VISION."

The group recently drew renewed attention as "That's a No No," a B-side from its 2020 mini-album "It'z ME," surged again online, raising questions about whether the new release can recapture the group's early impact.

K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM is scheduled to drop its second full-length album, "PUREFLOW pt.1," May 22, following its "CELEBRATION" prerelease April 24. Courtesy of Source Music

LE SSERAFIM under HYBE Labels subsidiary Source Music also is set to release its second full-length album, "PUREFLOW pt.1," May 22, marking its first studio album since "UNFORGIVEN" in 2023.

According to the label, the album explores the five LE SSERAFIM members’ growth "as they confront and acknowledge their fears." Prerelease single "CELEBRATION," built around sharp techno sounds, released April 24, has already set the tone and heightened anticipation.

Closing out the month, SM Entertainment's four-piece act aespa will drop its second studio album, "LEMONADE," May 29.

Known for high-concept storytelling and a distinct sonic identity, the group has since delivered hits "Next Level," "Drama," "Supernova," and "Whiplash." The upcoming release, following "Rich Man" in September 2025, is expected to further expand its sci-fi-style lore, a key element of the group's brand since debut.

Members of K-pop girl group aespa, from left, Karina, Winter, Giselle and Ningning perform during the group's "2026 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK : aeXIS LINE - in JAPAN 'SPECIAL EDITION DOME TOUR'" at Tokyo Dome, April 26. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Separately, I.O.I will return May 19 with its third mini-album, “I.O.I : LOOP,” marking its first release in nine years. Formed through the first season of Produce 101, the group became one of the earliest examples of a time-limited project act leaving a lasting impact, with hits such as “Very Very Very” and “Whatta Man.”

Nine of the original 11 members, including Chungha, Kim Se-jeong and Jeon So-mi, will take part in the reunion, while Kang Mi-na and Joo Kyul-kyung will not participate due to prior commitments.