BLACKPINK, TWICE, BABYMONSTER... A Hot Battle of Comebacks in the K-Pop Industry in July

K-pop artists from around the world will dominate the musical stages in July. With BLACKPINK set to make a full-group comeback, TWICE releasing their fourth studio album, and various new groups stepping into the scene, the industry is describing July as a “hot battle of comebacks.” The most highly anticipated event is the release of BLACKPINK’s new song. The group will debut this track for the first time at their world tour “DEADLINE,” held at the Goyang Stadium main arena in Gyeonggi Province on July 5–6. It will be their first new song release as a full group in 21 months, since their second studio album “BORN PINK” in September 2022. Although specific details about the new song have not been disclosed yet, given that YG Entertainment has established a separate organization to support the group’s activities and is filming the music video in Korea, fans expect a track worthy of being one of the world’s top girl groups. TWICE will release their fourth studio album “THIS IS FOR” on July 11. This marks their first album release in 27 months, since “Formula of Love : O+T=<3” in November 2021. The album will feature 14 tracks, including the title track of the same name, as well as “FOUR,” “OPTIONS,” “MARS,” “RIGHT HAND GIRL,” and “PEACH GELATO.” It will also include the lyric video for the nine members released on the 24th. In the first concept teaser image unveiled, TWICE showcased their individuality through colorful lenses, bold makeup, and daring nail art. In line with their promotion slogan “Extraordinary : We do us,” each member is set to present her own unique style. New and next-generation groups are also active this month. BABYMONSTER, known for their strong live performance skills, will release their single “HOT SAUCE” on July 1, featuring a reinterpretation of old-school hip-hop vibes. KARD, a representative mixed-gender group in K-pop, will return on the 2nd with their eighth mini-album “DRIFT,” introducing fans to their title track “Touch,” which offers a trendy reimagining of 2000s-style music. On July 7, D.O. from EXO and Jeon So-mi will make simultaneous comebacks. D.O. will release his first studio album “BLISS,” while Jeon So-mi will return with her digital single “EXTRA.” In the music video teaser released, Jeon So-mi presented a dramatic image transformation. Previously known as a “teen girl” with vivid and flashy styling, she appeared in a mystical atmosphere with a dark concept, raising expectations for her new musical attempts. SUPER JUNIOR will release their 12th studio album “Super Junior25” on July 8 to commemorate their 20th anniversary since debut. The new boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES will make their comeback on July 9 with their second mini-album “Snowy Summer,” marking their first activities just three months after debut. Following that, NCT DREAM will deliver energetic and upbeat music suitable for summer with their fifth studio album “Go Back To The Future” on July 14. Solo artists’ comebacks are also generating excitement. Jung Yonghwa, the main vocalist of the band CNBLUE, will release his third mini-album “One Last Day” on July 3, featuring the title track “Night Runner.” Just like in his previous work “YOUR CITY,” he participated in writing and composing all songs for this album as well. Onew from SHINee will release his second studio album “PERCENT” on July 15, and on the same day, Yoon Sanha from ASTRO will unveil his second mini-album “CHAMELEON.” ICHANHYUK from AKMU will also return to solo activities after three years with his new album “EROS” on July 14. The album title, meaning love in Greek, is phonetically connected to his first studio album “ERROR,” leaving room for various interpretations. Another key act is TOMORROW X TOGETHER, representing the fourth generation of boy groups. With their unique worldview, they will aim for another huge success with their fourth studio album “STARFIELD: TOGETHER” on July 21. From top artists leading global fanbases to emerging groups, July is expected to become a festival month where all generations in the K-pop music industry come together.