K-pop comebacks and solo releases for May: BTS, NCT Dream, SHINee’s Taemin, Red Velvet’s Joy
May is another great month for K-pop—and we’re here for it! With a lot of solos and big group comebacks, we can expect a lot of bops to be added to our playlists.
One of the most memorable releases for this month is Butter, BTS’s second English track. It has a groovy ‘70s-inspired hook, catchy lyrics, and a heartfelt shoutout to ARMY that fans will remember.
This is also a great month for solo debuts like Red Velvet’s Joy, (G)I-DLE's Yuqi, and a special project from totally crushable actor Kim Seonho. Here are exciting music releases for May:
HIGHLIGHT (May 3)
K-pop veteran HIGHLIGHT showed why they’re still a force to be reckoned with in their third mini-album “The Blowing.” The title track Not The End feels like a song that can be played at the closing scene of a K-drama, where the lead character is about to experience their redemption.
Kim Seonho X Epitone Project (May 6)
Start-Up fans, rejoice! Kim Seonho teamed up with singer-songwriter Epitone Project for Reason. The swoon-worthy track showed off the actor’s sweet voice and his songwriting abilities—since he also took part in writing the lyrics.
Ailee (May 7)
A contrast to her powerful and flamboyant image, Ailee showed off her sweeter side with her pre-release album “Lovin.” It’s a softer listen compared to her previous releases, a perfect way to welcome the start of the day.
NCT Dream (May 10)
“Hot sauce, gipi deep that!” NCT Dream fired up the month with the release of their first full-length album. The group’s lead dancer Jaemin explained that the title track Hot Sauce shows off a “true, intense, and hot taste.” The album is also special for the group since it features the return of Mark who graduated in December 2018.
OH MY GIRL (May 10)
Fresh from their breakthrough song Nonstop in 2020, Oh My Girl embraced their feminine side with their eighth mini-album, “Dear OHMYGIRL.” The album features the title track Dun Dun Dance, reminiscent of the disco-revival trend in K-pop that can also be heard in GFriend’s Mago and Everglow’s La Di Da.
(G)I-DLE's Yuqi (May 13)
(G)I-DLE's Yuqi showed off her star power with her first solo EP A Page. The title track Giant is an inspiring song about conquering your fears to rise like a “giant.” According to reports, Yuqi also participated in the composition of the song.
Aespa (May 17)
Aespa proved that they’re one of K-pop’s “monster rookies” with the release of their comeback single Next Level. The hip hop-dance track brings us back to the fictional world of “KWANGYA” where the members are determined to save their avatar counterparts.
SHINee’s Taemin (May 18)
SHINee’s Taemin is set to enlist in the military on May 31, and his third mini-album “Advice” is a love letter to his fans. The R&B album is overwhelming to listen to—in a good way, of course—as expected from an artist like Taemin.
BTS (May 21)
K-pop supergroup BTS broke the internet with the release of their second English song Butter. The track is smooth and groovy, and it features a homage to well-known musicians like The Rolling Stones and Usher. It also comes with a heartfelt shoutout to ARMYs which symbolizes their strong bond with one another.
TXT (May 31)
TXT (Tomorrow x Together) is set to release their second album The Chaos Chapter: Freeze at the end of the month. According to reports, the title track 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know, I Love You) features BTS’s RM as one of the co-writers.
Red Velvet’s Joy (May 31)
Red Velvet’s Joy is ready to show off her unique voice with her first-ever solo album Hello on May 31. In a statement by SM Entertainment, the “remake album” will feature Joy’s rendition of six famous songs that were released between the 1990s and 2000s.
What’s your favorite K-pop release for May?