Yes, I realize that July is halfway over. But with how many K-pop comebacks we’ve been graced with, I wanted to make sure that no one was missing out on anything. This isn’t all the artists with comebacks this month, but a highlight of the ones that I am most excited for.
J-Hope – Jack in the Box
Our hope, Jung Hoseok, is the first of our favorite Bangtan Boys to release a solo album this year. I know I had a lot of expectations from this album, particularly after loving his mixtape, Hope World. He chose to experiment with a different sound for this album, and I am here for it. It’s much darker and angstier than I expected, but I think he crushed it.
AESPA – Girls
The girlies with AI alter egos are back with a new mini album, and it’s really enhancing my workout playlist. This album is a mix of sounds – heavy beats with lots of electronic, and chiller songs that allows them to highlight their range. I keep hearing that this group is supposed to grow, but these four continue to crush it on their own.
ITZY – Checkmate
Another girl group known for their catchy and hype beats, Itzy is back with a new album. The title track, “Sneakers”, is probably my least favorite from them, but I can’t deny the serotonin boost I get from listening to their music. The rest of the album is a total bop. There’s a reason these ladies are in my top 5 fave K-pop groups.
Chung Ha – Bare&Rare
Another solo slayer for July. Chung Ha is a top contender for my favorite soloist, and this album only helps her cause. Her previous album, Querencia, had some strong songs, but overall was not my favorite. I am very happy to say that Bare&Rare is a no skip album for me. The fact that it’s Pt.1 also gives me life. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for Pt.2, but at least we have this perfection to keep us occupied until then.
STAYC – We Need Love
Oh, STAYC. I love these girlies. We Need Love is only a mini album, but every song is perfection. I think they have one of the more unique sounds of girl groups right now – I always know it’s a STAYC song when it comes up on shuffle. The songs are more of a chill vibe, and that’s totally fine with me. Just keep doing you, STAYC.
Purple Kiss – Geekyland
This is the only album still to be released this month, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed tight. I absolutely loved Hide&Seek (I had Zombie on regular repeat), but memeM didn’t hit the same way for me. The teasers for the upcoming music video has plenty of witchy and dark vibes, so I’m hopeful that we’ll get more dark girl bangers from Geekyland.