From MAMAMOO's Hwasa to EXO's Kai, stars gear up for November releases

By Dong Sun-hwa

Earlier this month, K-pop hotshots like 2AM and TWICE created a splash on the music scene with their fresh songs. But the party has not yet ended ― more big-name singers including MAMAMOO's Hwasa and EXO's Kai are set to release new music in the coming days, making November a star-studded month.

1. SF9 (Nov. 22)

The teaser for SF9's new EP, “Rumination” / Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

“Rumination,” the 10th EP by K-pop boy group SF9, is poised to hit shelves Nov. 22, according to the nine-piece act's management company FNC Entertainment.

FNC unveiled a teaser for the group's new release on Twitter, Nov. 12. The image features the nine members ― Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Rowoon, Zuho, Yoo Tae-yang, Hwiyoung and Chani ― posing in an enigmatic place where chairs are flying.

“The image captures the moment that the members gather together to form a whole,” the company said in a statement.

FNC added that the upcoming mini-album will be fronted by the lead single, “Trauma,” which puts the emphasis on SF9's “intuitive and large-scale performances.”

SF9 debuted in 2016 with the track "Fanfare,” and has put out tunes such as "O Sole Mio" (2017) and "Enough" (2019). After appearing on Mnet's competition show “Kingdom: Legendary War” earlier this year, it has hit an apex, selling more than 143,000 copies of its ninth mini-album "Turn Over" during the first week of its release (July 5-11).

2. MAMAMOO's Hwasa (Nov. 24)

Teaser for Hwasa's upcoming release, “Guilty Pleasure” / Courtesy of RBW

Hwasa of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO, who has been carving out a strong presence as a soloist, is scheduled to drop her second EP, “Guilty Pleasure,” Nov. 24.

Hwasa's management company RBW took to MAMAMOO's official Twitter channel, Nov. 12, to float a teaser for Hwasa's upcoming EP. The video features the different reflections of the black-haired Hwasa in mirrors, sporting a white fishnet top and a light green shawl.

“Through the clip that reveals Hwasa's different sides, the singer attempts to express the happiness and liveliness she feels as she struggles to achieve her goal,” RBW said in a statement.

“Guilty Pleasure” is Hwasa's first release since last June when she unleashed her first EP, “Maria.” With “Maria,” Hwasa became the first K-pop female soloist to top the iTunes top albums chart in the U.S. She also took home the Best Digital Song Award at the Golden Disc Awards, one of the most prestigious music awards in Korea.

More details about the EP ― such as the title of the lead track ― have not been disclosed.

Hwasa, who is known for her deep and husky voice, debuted as part of K-pop quartet MAMAMOO in 2014 with “Mr. Ambiguous.” The act, consisting of Solar, Moon Byul, Wheein and Hwasa, rolled out a series of hits such as “Decalcomanie” (2016) and “Starry Night” (2018). Hwasa, 26, the youngest member of the group, made her solo debut with the 2019 single, “Twit.”

3. EXO's KAI (Nov. 30)

Teaser for KAI's new EP, “Peaches” / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

On Nov. 30, “Peaches,” the second EP by Kai of K-pop boy band EXO, will arrive on the music scene.

It took about a year for Kai, one of the most gifted performers in the K-pop universe, to put out a new EP following his solo debut last November. His first self-titled EP reigned atop the iTunes top album chart in 55 countries. The music video of its lead single, “Mmmh” also surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

“KAI's fresh release will offer six tracks of different moods,” EXO's record label SM Entertainment said in a statement, without further elaboration.

Kai, whose real name is Kim Jong-in, debuted as an EXO member in 2012 with "MAMA,” and has released a string of hits, such as "Growl" (2013) and "Overdose" (2014), as part of EXO. The SM Entertainment star is making frequent appearances on variety shows as well. He was recently been featured in tvN's “Honeymoon Tavern (Udo Inn),” running an inn for newlyweds.