It is truly war. Major boy idol groups leading K-pop are heating up the music industry ahead of a significant comeback in May. With no further explanation needed, the lineup includes BTS member Jin, who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of SEVENTEEN, global Gen Z representatives Tomorrow X Together, and the '5th Generation Two Tops' RIIZE and BOYNEXTDOOR.
Among them, Tomorrow X Together will open the May battle. They will release a digital single titled 'Love Language' with a refreshing concept on the 2nd. They return with 'TXT's refreshing style' represented by tracks like 'CROWN' and 'I’ll See You There Tomorrow.' The song title, meaning 'the language of love', emanates a sense of freshness.
Furthermore, interest in Tomorrow X Together's new song is focused as it is challenging to hear new seasonal songs this spring. 'Love Language' is a bright and upbeat song in the Afro house genre, combined with the group's unique refreshing energy. Even the recently previewed highlight section suggests it could be crowned 'Song of the Year.'
The next contender is BOYNEXTDOOR, known as the hottest team these days. They are returning on May 13 with their mini album 'No Genre', after hitting a career high with their digital single 'I LOVE YOU Only Today' released in January.
This album expresses the aspiration to do the music they want without confining themselves to a genre, with the title track 'I Feel Good' showcasing the six members' confidence and bold attitude in a dynamic atmosphere. After successfully concluding their first solo tour 'BOYNEXTDOOR TOUR 'KNOCK ON Vol.1,' expectations for their new release are high.
BTS member Jin, who has traversed both entertainment and music, will make his comeback on May 16 with mini album 'Echo'. It has been about six months since he released mini album 'HAPPY' in November of last year. 'Echo' captures emotions, situations, and daily life that anyone has experienced, viewed through Jin's unique perspective, packaged in an honest and witty album featuring seven tracks across various genres based on band sounds. His determination and authenticity in taking on band music once again is palpable.
In particular, Jin participated in writing the lyrics for the majority of the tracks included in the album, such as 'Nothing Without Your Love', 'Loser (feat. YENA)' and 'Rope It'. After the release of the new album, Jin will hold his first solo fan concert '#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR' on June 28-29 at the Goyang Gymnasium Auxiliary Stadium in Goyang, followed by visits to Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and the Netherlands to meet local fans.
RIIZE, who has consecutively hit songs like 'Get A Guitar' and 'Love 119', will make their comeback on May 19 with their first full-length album 'ODYSSEY', 11 months later. This album, featuring a total of 10 tracks, is known to firmly define RIIZE's identity. On the 28th, they launched an Instagram account to document the 'Real-Time Odyssey' related to the new release, attracting the attention of fans and the public. They have teased 'RIIZE PREMIERE', where fans can enjoy all tracks in video form online on May 14 and offline from the 15th, increasing anticipation for future promotions.
The last act in the May comeback battle is SEVENTEEN. SEVENTEEN will release their 5th regular album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY', coinciding with their debut date on May 26, marking their return to a full album about three years after 'Face the Sun' in 2022.
Last month on the 28th, SEVENTEEN posted a trailer titled 'DARE OR DEATH', signaling a bold challenge. The trailer is composed of three parts in an interactive format, leading to different endings based on choices: Side A 'DARE' and Side B 'DEATH'. Fans' expectations for the stories and music contained in the new album are soaring.
In this way, as K-pop's representative boy idols make significant comebacks in the breezy month of May, listener anticipation and excitement are already rising. Interest is focused on the charms they will bring to fans and the public.
[Photo] Provided by each agency
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