SM Entertainment (hereafter SME) and Kakao Entertainment's first British boy group 'dearALICE' has released its first EP album.

dearALICE's first EP 'bitterSWEETsummer' was released on the 27th at 12 a.m. (local time) across various global music platforms, filled with songs that sensibly express the diverse emotions of youth, where anxiety and excitement coexist, garnering high interest from global fans.

This EP is like a 'sound diary' that encapsulates the identity of a British boy band with dearALICE's unique musical colors, based on the journey dearALICE has built while traveling between Korea and the UK. It consists of a total of seven tracks, including the title track 'Save Us' and the debut song 'Ariana' in both mixed and remixed versions, as well as the second single 'Sweet,' which was released in May.

In particular, the title track 'Save Us' is a ballad that delicately expresses an emotional line with a dark and contemplative atmosphere, which was pre-released on the 25th, receiving a positive response. Grammy-winning songwriter Jon Shave produced the track, infusing a cinematic sensibility into dearALICE's honest inner story.

The included track 'Drums' is a rhythmic and dynamic track that captures the emotions of a summer night, featuring hitmaker Shift K3Y, who participated in producing aespa's 'Whiplash.' 'Roses' paints a moment filled with a lingering quietness of love that quietly fades at the end of summer, mixed by renowned producer Oli Jacobs, who has collaborated with Taylor Swift and Post Malone, elevating the musical quality.

Additionally, the EP includes the mid-tempo track 'Butterflies,' which encapsulates warmth and longing and was worked on by producer and singer-songwriter Chaz Mishan, known for projects with Jennifer Lopez and Backstreet Boys, as well as the cheerful and lovely upbeat pop track 'Sweet,' which suits the summer season.

Furthermore, this EP features 'Ariana (Leslie Brathwaite Mix)' and 'Ariana (RISC Remix),' each reinterpreted by Grammy-winning mixing engineer Leslie Brathwaite, who has worked with Beyoncé and Cardi B, and UK producer RISC, maintaining the charm of dearALICE's debut single 'Ariana' while boldly reflecting the trends of modern pop sound.

Meanwhile, dearALICE, having performed on the 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025' stage in January in Seoul and in May in Mexico City and LA, is expected to capture the attention of local audiences with a variety of performances at their upcoming show in London on June 28.

[Photo] SM Entertainment

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