New Music from NewJeans, RM of BTS, aespa, and TREASURE Set for Late May

Courtesy of Ador

The competition among K-pop stars is set to intensify later this month with new releases from some of the genre's most popular acts, including girl groups NewJeans and aespa, RM from BTS, and boy band TREASURE.
 

▲ NewJeans / Courtesy of Ador

NewJeans will release their new album "How Sweet" on May 24. The album will feature two tracks, "How Sweet" and "Bubble Gum," along with instrumental versions of both songs, as announced by their management company, Ador. While details about the lead track "How Sweet" remain under wraps, the music video for "Bubble Gum," released on April 27, has already surpassed 34 million views. The video hit 5 million views within 13 hours of its release, showcasing the group's global popularity despite an ongoing management dispute involving Ador and its parent company, HYBE.

Following "How Sweet," NewJeans will make their Japanese debut with the album "Supernatural" on June 21. The lead single of the same name samples "Back of My Mind" (2009), a collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Japanese singer Manami. Producer 250, known for NewJeans' hits "Attention" and "Hype Boy," has infused a new jack swing style into the tune. 

▲ RM of BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit MusicRM of BTS, who is currently serving his mandatory military service, will release his second solo album "Right Place, Wrong Person" on May 24. Represented by Big Hit Music, a HYBE subsidiary, RM's new album will explore themes of feeling out of place and will feature 11 tracks of alternative music. RM contributed to the lyrics of all the tracks. On May 10, RM unveiled the music video for "Come back to me," directed by Emmy Award winner Lee Sung-jin. The video has garnered over 10 million views. The song, an indie pop track, explores the conflicting emotions between challenge and complacency.

Girl group aespa will release their first full-length album "Armageddon" on May 27. According to their agency SM Entertainment, the 10-track album will include two lead singles: "Armageddon" and "Supernova." The group released "Supernova" on May 13, and the track quickly climbed streaming charts, reaching No. 6 on the real-time chart of Melon, a major Korean streaming service. The "Supernova" music video aligns with the album's slogan, "Only I can define myself," depicting the members' authentic selves. Following the album release, aespa will hold the "2024 aespa LIVE TOUR — SYNK: PARALLEL LINE" concert at Seoul's Jamsil Indoor Stadium on June 29-30.

Additionally, boy band TREASURE will release their digital single "King Kong" on May 28. YG Entertainment described the song as reminiscent of the movie "King Kong," highlighting a character who takes risks for love. TREASURE is currently on their second Asia tour, "2024 TREASURE RELAY TOUR [REBOOT]."

These upcoming releases are expected to heighten competition on the music charts, showcasing the diverse talents and styles of K-pop's leading acts.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com