Oneily News

Category: Announcement

  • EXO’s Baekhyun announces comeback with 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’

    EXO’s Baekhyun announces comeback with 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’

    Baekhyun of EXO has officially announced the release of his 5th mini album, ‘Essence of Reverie,’ which is scheduled to be released on May 19, 2025. This marks his return to the music scene approximately eight months after he released his previous album, ‘Hello, World,’ on September 6, 2024.

    Teaser video hints at mysterious concept

    On April 25, Baekhyun shared a coming soon teaser video for ‘Essence of Reverie,’ sparking curiosity among fans. The short clip features a closed elevator in an undefined space. As the doors slide open, plush, pillow-shaped dolls spill out onto the floor. Symbolic phrases and images adorn the interior of the elevator, hinting at the themes of the upcoming album.

    A distinct musical identity

    According to a statement from Baekhyun’s agency INB100, ‘Essence of Reverie’ will showcase a deeper evolution of the artist’s unique sound. “Baekhyun has steadily established his own color through various albums. He will reveal a more distinct musical identity through this album.” The agency added, “He will perfectly portray ‘Baekhyun’s genre.’”

    Critics have long praised Baekhyun for his vocal versatility and emotive performances. He consistently delivers chart-topping solo albums and collaborates with notable artists across genres. “Essence of Reverie” is expected to deliver refined sound and immersive storytelling, building upon his previous work.

    Baekhyun’s 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’ release

    Meanwhile, Baekhyun will release his 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’ on May 19. It will be available through various online music platforms globally.

    Fans can look forward to further teasers, concept photos, and promotional content in the coming weeks as the release date approaches.

  • X:IN announces 3rd mini album ‘Defend Myself’ with mood photos ahead of May comeback

    X:IN announces 3rd mini album ‘Defend Myself’ with mood photos ahead of May comeback

    XIN has officially announced their return with the upcoming release of their third mini album, ‘Defend Myself,’ set to drop in May. This comeback marks the group’s first in approximately 15 months, following their previous mini album ‘The REAL’ released in February 2024.

    XIN reveals dual-concept mood photos for ‘Defend Myself’

    In the lead-up to their comeback, XIN—consisting of members Esha, Nizz, Nova, Hannah, and Aria—unveiled a series of mood photos that reflect two contrasting visual themes.

    The first concept, styled in white tones, captures a dreamlike and contemplative mood. The visual portrays the members with a sense of introspection, seemingly confronting internal emotions and the pressure of external expectations. The atmosphere, enhanced by soft lighting and shadow contrasts, echoes the album’s message of self-defense and emotional resilience.

    The second concept takes a bolder turn with black-toned outfits, styled against a vivid orange backdrop. Accented with metallic accessories such as chain embellishments, this look conveys a strong, assertive energy.

    A long-awaited return after over a year

    ‘Defend Myself’ will be XIN’s first project since ‘The REAL’. It is expected to showcase the group’s artistic growth both musically and visually. The new album will include upgraded performances and more mature soundscapes, reflecting the group’s evolution since their last release.

  • NCT’s Ten to pre-release Japanese debut mini album ‘Humanity’ today

    NCT’s Ten to pre-release Japanese debut mini album ‘Humanity’ today

    Ten of NCT will pre-release his first Japanese mini album, ‘Humanity,’ today, April 23. While the physical release is set for May 28 in Japan, all six tracks will be available globally on major music streaming platforms starting later today.

    ‘Humanity’: A genre-spanning album with emotional depth

    ‘Humanity’ consists of six tracks that explore a wide spectrum of sounds and themes, all anchored by Ten’s distinctive vocal color. The title track, “Silence,” is a dreamy drum and bass (DnB) track that captures a dark, introspective atmosphere.

    Other songs on the album include:

    • Flash
    • Burn It Up
    • All Good
    • Living Now
    • Yume no Tsuzuki

    2025 Japanese solo tour: ‘TIME WARP’ kicks off in May

    Coinciding with the album ‘Humanity’ pre-release, Ten will embark on his first Japanese solo tour, ‘2025 TEN JAPAN TOUR 1001 ‘TIME WARP’,’ next month. The tour will include performances in:

    • Osaka: May 1–2
    • Fukuoka: May 4
    • Tokyo (Tachikawa): May 17–18
    • Nagoya: May 24–25
    • Tokyo (Shibuya): May 30–31

    Also read: NCT’s Doyoung to make solo comeback with 2nd album on June 9

    Global solo tour continues with Shanghai concert

    In addition to his Japanese promotions, Ten is currently in the midst of his first global solo concert tour. Following successful performances in Seoul and Bangkok, he is scheduled to perform in Shanghai on April 26–27.

  • BTS’ Jin announces second solo album ‘Echo’

    BTS’ Jin announces second solo album ‘Echo’

    BTS‘ Jin announces second solo album, ‘Echo,’ set to be released globally on May 16. This marks his first new project in about six months, following his debut solo album, ‘Happy,’ which was released in November last year.

    Jin announces second solo album

    Described as an album that captures life’s many moments “echoing” in different forms, ‘Echo’ tells stories and emotions that resonate with universal human experiences. Jin delivers his perspective in a ‘simple yet witty’ tone across seven new tracks.

    The album includes seven tracks:

    1. Don’t Say You Love Me – The title track explores the emotional tension between love and separation.
    2. Nothing Without Your Love – A heartfelt ballad emphasizing dependence on a partner’s affection.
    3. Loser (feat. YENA) – Featuring soloist YENA, this track depicts a sweet-yet-bickering couple dynamic.
    4. Rope It – A vibrant and motivational track about making bold decisions to achieve goals.
    5. Traveling with the Clouds – A whimsical journey with a symbolic friend named “Cloud.”
    6. Background – A melancholic piece about lingering love after becoming someone’s past.
    7. To Me Today – A song dedicated to being present and appreciating today’s self.

    Jin personally participated in writing the lyrics for several songs, including “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser,” “Rope It,” and “Traveling with the Clouds.”

    Creative promotions and scheduler generate buzz

    Promotions for ‘Echo’ began with a unique teaser video shown at K-POP SQUARE MEDIA in COEX, Seoul, where Jin revealed the album’s release date using a placard inside a crane game machine. His striking visuals filled the massive LED screen.

    Jin unveiled the official promotional scheduler on April 16, featuring musical symbols on a background resembling sheet music. The schedule outlined key release dates, including:

    • April 17: Tracklist reveal
    • April 22–24: Concept photos (three versions)
    • May 12: Highlight medley
    • May 13–14: Title song music video poster and teaser
    • May 15: D-1 title track poster
    • May 16: Full album and MV release

    Of particular note are the cryptic events on April 28 (featuring a music note with eyes) and April 30 (showing a camera-shaped emoticon).

    BTS' Jin announces second solo album 'Echo'
    Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

    Global fan concert tour: #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR starts in June

    Following his comeback, Jin will embark on his first solo fan concert tour, titled #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, beginning June 28–29 at the Goyang Sports Complex Auxiliary Stadium in Goyang, South Korea. The tour will then head overseas with a total of 18 performances in 9 cities, including:

    • Japan: Chiba, Osaka
    • United States: Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa, Newark
    • United Kingdom: London
    • Netherlands: Amsterdam

    Announced on April 18, the tour’s name is a spin-off of Jin’s YouTube content ‘Run Seok Jin,’ and signifies his journey to meet fans across the globe.

    Fans attending the concert can expect to experience a full setlist of songs from both ‘Echo’ and ‘Happy.’

    BTS' Jin announces second solo album 'Echo'
    Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

    Meanwhile, Jin’s ‘Echo’ will be released worldwide on May 16, available on all major streaming platforms.