TWICE, EXO, Seventeen, GOT7’s Yugyeom: K-pop stans are well fed in June, and here’s why
There’s something great about June and that’s because a lot of bangers are released this month. And we’re not just talking about the title tracks, even the b-sides of mini- and full albums are worthy of a chef’s kiss.
Another reason why June is a month to remember for stans is the return of big groups like TWICE, EXO, and Seventeen. Plus, it’s also emotional for fans to witness the comeback of artists such as TWICE’s Jeongyeon, EXO’s Kyungsoo, EXO’s Xiumin, and EXO’s Lay after their hiatus.
This is also a month of unexpected releases from veteran groups and soloists like 2PM, Brave Girls, and GOT7’s Yugyeom. Here are the highly-anticipated music releases for June:
MONSTA X (June 1)
Monsta X started off the month with the sexy ninth mini-album “One of a Kind.” Even if the group is mainly known for its masculine image, this album represents how they can use it as one of their strengths as artists. Gone are the repetitive hooks, and enter the hypnotic kind of sound. Our top pick though has to be Heaven. It’s amazing.
Mamamoo (June 3)
Last month, Mamamoo’s teasers became the talk of Filipino stan Twitter because of the title of their 11th mini-album “Waw.” You can probably imagine the jokes that were made at that time.
However, this mini-album is far from being meme-worthy. It shows off Mamamoo’s vocals—which they’re known for—at its best. Compared to their previous releases that usually follow a jazzy and R&B route, this features ballads and slower tracks. Others might find them boring, but it’s not. It can be described as a “healing” type of album.
EXO (June 7)
If we have to be honest, we burst into tears when we saw Kyungsoo’s teaser images. We’re not being biased but his military enlistment in 2019 felt like a depressing wait. At the same time, Lay’s participation in the production of this mini-album brought us into shambles.
“Don’t Fight the Feeling” is meant to be a gift for fans, but this special album is such a satisfying addition to our playlist. The songs are really great and the members sound amazing. As expected of a group as talented as EXO. We can't stop listening to No Matter at the moment.
TWICE (June 9 and 11)
First of all, this mini-album is a slap to haters who say that TWICE can’t sing. All of the members did great, especially that the songs are tailored perfectly to their vocal abilities.
Perhaps “Taste of Love” has to be our favorite release of the month. There are no skips in this mini-album, from the bossa nova-inspired Alcohol-Free to the hypnotic First Time. TWICE has always been open about exploring different styles of music, and their efforts are really worth it.
GOT7’s Yugyeom (June 11 and 17)
Ahgases are overjoyed when GOT7’s Yugyeom announced last month that he will be releasing his solo EP after his departure from JYP Entertainment. And they have the right to be. This mini-album was a refreshing change from his GOT7 image, and all tracks are title track-worthy. It’s perfect to listen when you’re in the mood to hit the club once the pandemic ends.
BTOB (June 13)
Blue Moon (Cinema version) is the type of track that can be heard if the main character of a K-drama has reached their moment of epiphany. This is the perfect way to describe this track. It’s a departure from the boy group’s ballads and funky sound, but they pull it off really well.
Brave Girls (June 17)
Brave Girls are considered the dark horses of K-pop. They recently blew up in popularity when their 2017 track Rollin’ became viral in South Korea. This made fans excited about what type of music they will release next.
SEVENTEEN (June 18)
One of the most-awaited groups that made a comeback for June is SEVENTEEN, who’s breaking their own records with their eighth mini-album “Your Choice.”
The group deserves their success with this album. It’s a drastic change from their refreshing songs and it shows their growth as artists. We’re hoping that the boy group will continue on this musical route because it’s the type of music that suits them well.
LOONA (June 28)
The topic “OT12” trended on Twitter once LOONA released their teasers for their fourth mini-album “[&]”. This comeback will feature the 12 members of the group, namely, Heejin, Hyunjin, Haseul, Yeojin, Vivi, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, Yves, Chuu, Gowon, and Olivia Hye. Based on their mysterious teaser, fans can expect a track that’s powerful, badass, and very LOONA.
2PM (June 28)
If you’re a fan of second-generation K-pop (or K-pop groups that debuted from 2005 to 2011), you probably rejoiced when 2PM announced that they’ll be returning with their seventh album “Must.” The group, who’s dubbed as “beast-dols” due to their masculine image and ripped bodies, released a cinematic teaser that featured the members who aged like fine wine.
What’s your favorite K-pop release for the month of June?