Category: K-pop

Dreamcatcher’s UAU announces 1st mini album ‘Playlist #You Are You’
UAU, the first official unit of Dreamcatcher, has announced the release of their 1st mini album, ‘Playlist #You Are You,’ scheduled to release on May 28, 2025. Comprised of members JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon, UAU embarks on a new chapter, uniting the distinct talents of the seasoned Dreamcatcher members into a powerful new trio.

UAU reveals detailed debut schedule

According to the revealed schedule, pre-orders for ‘Playlist #You Are You’ will open on May 9. UAU has outlined an active promotional campaign that includes the sequential release of individual member teasers, group concept images, a tracklist, highlight medley, dance previews, and music video teasers leading up to the album’s launch.

Fans have taken particular notice of the scheduler‘s vintage-inspired imagery, which hints at a nostalgic and emotive concept for the album. Notably, the schedule for May 21 features only question marks. This is sparking excitement and speculation among fans regarding a potential surprise reveal.

Courtesy: Happyface Entertainment

Dreamcatcher’s first official unit

UAU, short for “You Are You,” represents more than just a name. It encapsulates a philosophy of self-acceptance and authenticity, themes the unit aims to explore in their debut release. This project marks the first official unit within Dreamcatcher. Dreamcatcher debuted in 2017 and has since gained a strong international following for their unique rock meets K-pop sound.
- Related: NCT’s Chenle achieves chart success with Chinese special album ‘Lucid’
UAU’s 1st mini album ‘Playlist #You Are You’ out May 28

UAU, Dreamcatcher’s first official sub-unit, is set to release their 1st mini album, ‘Playlist #You Are You,’ on May 28. Ahead of the release, fans can look forward to a series of teasers, including individual member images, group concept photos, tracklist, and music video previews.
May 8, 2025
NCT’s Chenle achieves chart success with Chinese special album ‘Lucid’
Chenle of NCT has achieved a new milestone in his solo career, with his Chinese special album ‘Lucid’ quickly dominating major music charts upon release. This success highlights Chenle’s growing influence as a solo artist, particularly in the Chinese music scene.

Chenle achieves solo success with ‘Lucid’

According to data from QQ Music, one of China’s largest music platforms, ‘Lucid’ by Chenle topped the digital album sales charts as soon as pre-orders began on April 28. The momentum continued after the album’s official release on May 5, with ‘Lucid’ maintaining its No. 1 position. The album’s title track also climbed to the top of QQ Music’s Chinese music video chart.

A special album reflecting Chenle’s musical growth

The special album ‘Lucid’ consists of three Chinese-language tracks: the title track “Lucid,” a remake of the drama “Meet and Greet’s” original soundtrack “Tear Bridge,” and “Cosmic Joke (feat. Ju Bi-chang).” The album is a collaborative project with Tencent Entertainment.

The title track “Lucid” portrays a poignant message about finding a moment of brilliance after enduring loneliness. A dramatic string melody and Chenle’s soaring high notes heighten the song’s emotional depth. Fans can experience the visual storytelling of “Lucid” through the official music video, available on NCT and NCT DREAM’s YouTube channels.
- Related: i-dle unveils tracklist for 8th mini album ‘We are’ ahead of May 19 release
Upcoming activities

While Chenle’s solo project continues to gain momentum, his group NCT DREAM is also preparing for major activities. SM Entertainment confirmed that NCT DREAM will release a new album in July 2025. Additionally, the group is set to hold its fourth solo concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul from July 10 to 12.

Fans of both Chenle’s solo music and NCT DREAM’s group activities have much to look forward to in the coming months.
May 7, 2025
i-dle unveils tracklist for 8th mini album ‘We are’ ahead of May 19 release
i-dle has officially unveiled the tracklist for their highly anticipated 8th mini album, ‘We are’. The announcement was made through a dedicated comeback countdown page on Spotify, building excitement among global fans as the release date approaches.

i-dle’s ‘We are’ tracklist

On May 7, i-dle opened the countdown page for We are on Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming platform. The tracklist features six songs:
1. Good Thing
2. Girlfriend
3. Love Tease
4. Chain
5. Unstoppable
6. That’s Okay
Fans can now pre-save the album and monitor the countdown leading up to its release, scheduled for May 19.

Symbolic album artwork

Along with the tracklist, i-dle also revealed the album cover art for ‘We are’. The design features five small stars forming a larger star against a clean white background. This visual metaphorically represents the five members of i-dle—each with distinct personalities—coming together to form a cohesive and powerful unit.

Courtesy: CUBE ENTERTAINMENT

Building anticipation through teasers

In the weeks leading up to the tracklist reveal, i-dle steadily built momentum by releasing a series of concept photos, a cinematic trailer, and an album poster. According to CUBE ENTERTAINMENT, additional teaser content is planned in the days before the official release, maintaining a strong connection with their fanbase.
- Related: i-dle confirms comeback with special mini album and 8th mini album in May
Album countdown

With the unveiling of the ‘We are’ tracklist, i-dle has officially started the countdown to their next musical chapter. Fans worldwide eagerly await the group’s return on May 19 via all major music streaming platforms.

For more updates, fans can follow (G)I-DLE’s official channels and Spotify countdown page.
May 7, 2025
i-dle confirms comeback with special mini album and 8th mini album in May
i-dle has officially confirmed their comeback with two new releases — a special mini album launched on May 2, 2025, and their 8th mini album set for release on May 19, 2025. The announcement came as the group celebrated their seventh anniversary with a symbolic change to their name.

i-dle celebrates 7th anniversary with new name

On May 2, i-dle, formerly known as (G)I-DLE, unveiled a major rebranding, removing the “G” and parentheses from their name to embrace a fresh identity. According to Cube Entertainment, this change represents “a new name, a new beginning,” honoring their journey while signaling growth beyond the limitations of their debut concept.

All members renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment in December 2024.

Teaser video ‘for (G)’ sets the stage for comeback

To accompany the announcement, i-dle released a cinematic teaser video titled ‘for (G)’ on May 2. In the emotional clip, the members are seen dancing and laughing while being drenched in wine among figures in black robes. They hold a symbolic farewell ceremony for “G,” representing their past identity. As the video closes, the burned-out remains of “G’s” coffin are shown, followed by a haunting line from their debut song “LATATA”: “Who’s scared of what?”

The teaser concludes with references to their upcoming 8th mini album and highlights key dates — May 5, 6, 9, 14, 16, and 19. This has sparked fan curiosity about what new content they will unveil in the lead-up to the official comeback.

Pre-orders for 8th mini album begin

Following the teaser release, pre-orders for i-dle’s 8th mini album have opened. The album will be available in three distinct versions. Fans who pre-order the album or CD versions will also receive a bonus poster. Additionally, they have introduced a photocard album option without a CD, offering access to various digital content through QR codes.
- Related: (G)I-DLE announces official name change to i-dle
i-dle announces release dates for special mini album and 8th mini album

i-dle’s special mini album will be released on May 2, marking the beginning of a transformative era, while their 8th mini album arrives on May 19. Fans can look forward to a new chapter filled with bold music, fresh concepts, and heartfelt performances.
May 2, 2025
(G)I-DLE announces official name change to i-dle
On May 1, i-dle, the group formerly known as (G)I-DLE, announced a significant change to their official name, marking a fresh new era in their career. Celebrating their seventh debut anniversary, members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua confirmed that they will now promote under the name i-dle, leaving behind the parentheses and the letter ‘G’ that had been part of their identity since debuting on May 2, 2018.

A new name, a new direction for i-dle

According to an official statement from Cube Entertainment, the group removed the ‘여자’ (meaning ‘female’ in Korean) and the ‘G’ from their name to signify that they are no longer defined by gender or other traditional labels. By eliminating the parentheses, a design element previously used to emphasize distinction, i-dle signals their intent to explore broader musical styles and concepts without limits.

(G)I-DLE name change and new logo introduction

In line with the (G)I-DLE name change, the group introduced a new logo and symbol featuring a stylized lowercase “i-dle” expanding into a circle, designed using the structural principles of points, lines, and planes.

Notably, the new symbol brings together five lowercase “i”s forming a star, symbolizing the unique personalities of each member uniting as one powerful group. The fresh visual identity aims to capture both the individual charm and the collective synergy of i-dle.

Courtesy: CUBE ENTERTAINMENT

A continued journey of global success

This rebranding comes after a series of major achievements for the group. Last December, all five members renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment.

Since their debut with “LATATA,” i-dle has produced a string of hits including “Oh my god,” “DUMDi DUMDi,” “Hwa,” “TOMBOY,” and “Queencard.” In 2023, they topped domestic and international charts with “Super Lady,” from their second full-length album, ‘2’. They also gained renewed attention with the emotional track “I Hate Being Hurt (Fate).” They continued their momentum with “Klaxon,” the title track from their 7th mini album, ‘I SWAY.’
- Related: GOT7’s BamBam signs exclusive contract with Halo Corporation
The group also completed their third world tour, ‘2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL],’ performing in 14 cities worldwide. Their accolades include winning the Grand Record Award at the 1st Korea Grand Music Awards (2024 KGMA) and the Record of the Year Award at the 2024 Melon Music Awards (2024 MMA).
May 2, 2025
EXO’s Baekhyun announces 2025 world tour ‘Reverie’
Baekhyun of EXO is set to embark on his first solo world tour, titled ‘Reverie,’ starting June 7, 2025. The highly anticipated tour marks a major milestone in his career, drawing excitement from fans across the globe eager to witness his evolution as a solo performer.

First solo world tour since debut

The 2025 BAEKHYUN WORLD TOUR ‘Reverie’ will be Baekhyun’s first solo world tour since debuting as a member of EXO in 2012. The name ‘Reverie,’ which refers to a dreamlike state, reflects the singer’s desire to provide fans with an unforgettable and emotional experience.

Baekhyun 2025 world tour to visit 29 cities across the globe

According to INB100, the tour will visit 29 cities around the globe, including stops in South Korea, South America, North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

Courtesy: INB100

The announcement comes roughly 11 months after Baekhyun wrapped up his successful ‘Lonsdaleite’ Asia tour in July 2024. That tour, which drew widespread acclaim, underscored his status as a performance craftsman in the K-pop world.
- Also read: Maroon 5 and BLACKPINK’s Lisa confirm release date for collaboration single “Priceless”
Upcoming album ‘Essence of Reverie’ drops in May

In addition to the tour, Baekhyun will release his fifth mini album ‘Essence of Reverie‘ on May 19, 2025. Fans expect the album to share thematic ties with the tour and deepen the narrative of ‘Reverie.

Baekhyun also recently returned to the music scene with “Do What You Do,” a collaboration with American singer-songwriter UMI, released earlier this year.

Fans can look forward to further updates regarding ticket sales, tour schedules, and official merchandise in the coming weeks.
April 30, 2025
EXO’s Baekhyun unveils scheduler for 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’
Baekhyun of EXO has officially revealed the scheduler for his highly anticipated 5th mini album, ‘Essence of Reverie,’ building excitement among fans ahead of its release on May 19. The newly shared roadmap offers a detailed look at the upcoming promotional content.

‘Essence of Reverie’ scheduler

According to the scheduler released via Baekhyun’s official channels, the promotional activities for ‘Essence of Reverie’ will begin with the release of eight concept photos, split between four “Essence” versions and four “Reverie” versions. Each version is expected to showcase different visual themes.

In addition to the concept photos, Baekhyun plans to drop two concept films, representing both the Essence and Reverie versions. Fans anticipate these short films will deepen the storytelling behind the album‘s dual concepts.

Fans can also look forward to the unveiling of the pillow-shaped doll “Kkuru Jam,” which first appeared in the coming soon teaser. The promotional rollout will reveal details about the doll, which has already sparked curiosity among Baekhyun’s fans.

Further content includes a highlight medley, offering a first listen to the tracks from ‘Essence of Reverie,’ as well as a title track poster and a music video teaser. A section of the schedule, marked with question marks, hints at a surprise that he will disclose on May 15.

Courtesy: INB100
- Also read: Stray Kids to release 3rd Japanese mini album ‘Hollow’ on June 18
Meanwhile, Baekhyun’s 5th mini album ‘Essence of Reverie’ will be available on various online music platforms starting May 19.
April 29, 2025
TREASURE to release Japanese versions of “YELLOW” and “LAST NIGHT”
TREASURE is set to delight fans with new music, as the group will release Japanese versions of their hit tracks “YELLOW” and “LAST NIGHT” on April 28. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans eager to experience the songs in a fresh way.

TREASURE announces ‘SPECIAL JP SELECTION [PLEASURE]’

According to YG Entertainment on April 26, TREASURE will officially release their new Japanese digital single, ‘SPECIAL JP SELECTION [PLEASURE],’ on April 28. The release will feature the Japanese versions of ‘YELLOW,’ the title track from their special mini album ‘PLEASURE,’ and ‘LAST NIGHT,’ which they previously unveiled ahead of the album’s launch.

When PLEASURE was initially released, it quickly gained widespread popularity. The album topped the Oricon Weekly Western Albums Chart and the iTunes K-Pop Album Chart in Japan, affirming TREASURE’s growing influence in the region. Both “YELLOW” and “LAST NIGHT” secured top positions on major local music charts.

Japanese promotions and special performances

TREASURE will also appear on several Japanese music shows to promote their new releases. On April 26, they will perform “SARURU” on NHK’s Venue101, and on April 28, they will reveal the Japanese version of “YELLOW” for the first time on TBS’s CDTV Live! Live!, which will be part of a special program commemorating the show’s fifth anniversary.
- Also read: Maroon 5 and BLACKPINK’s Lisa announce new collaboration “Priceless”
Ongoing ‘SPECIAL MOMENT’ fan concert tour

In addition to their music promotions, TREASURE is currently on their ‘SPECIAL MOMENT’ fan concert tour. The tour includes 17 performances across 9 cities. After successful shows in New York, Washington D.C., Oakland, and Los Angeles, the group recently began their Japan leg.

Their concerts in Hyogo on April 23 and 24 drew an impressive crowd, with all three shows sold out and attracting a total of 36,000 attendees. This achievement pushed TREASURE’s cumulative solo concert attendance in Japan to over 1 million.

Upcoming stops include performances in Aichi, Fukuoka, and Saitama, where TREASURE will continue to build strong bonds with their Japanese fans.

Meanwhile, TREASURE will release Japanese versions of “YELLOW” and “LAST NIGHT” on April 28. Stay tuned for more updates on TREASURE’s upcoming performances and music releases.
April 26, 2025
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.
- Also read: BTS’ Jin unveils all three concept photo versions for second solo album ‘Echo’
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.
April 25, 2025
BTS’ Jin unveils all three concept photo versions for second solo album ‘Echo’
Jin of BTS has officially unveiled concept photos for all three versions of his upcoming second solo album, ‘Echo,’ offering fans a multifaceted look at his evolving artistic identity. The images, released over three consecutive days from April 22 to 24.

First concept photos: A natural and youthful charm

The unveiling began on April 22, with Jin presenting a stripped-down, natural look for the first set of ‘Echo’ concept photos. Wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans, Jin’s minimal styling allowed his serene aura and expressive gaze to take center stage. Set against a vintage studio backdrop with aged walls, posters, and scattered instruments, the concept evoked the early passion of a musician on the brink of a new chapter.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Second concept photos: Rebellious rocker aesthetic

On April 23, the second concept images introduced a bolder side of Jin. Embracing a more intense visual identity, these photos displayed a rocker persona marked by long tousled hair, scar makeup, black nail art, and a leather jacket. The photos were shot in a graffiti-covered alleyway, adding to the gritty and rebellious energy.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Final concept photos: A mature rock star presence

The series concluded on April 24 with the third and final version, portraying Jin as a captivating rock star cloaked in mystery and elegance. Dressed in all-black, Jin’s intense gaze and poised stance exuded maturity and sensuality. One standout image features him leaning against a microphone in front of a pitch-black backdrop, evoking the feeling of an endless stage.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

About the album ‘Echo’

‘Echo,’ Jin’s second mini album, is scheduled for release on May 16, 2025. According to BigHit Music, the album contains seven tracks across various genres, unified by a band-driven sound. It reflects on moments in life that resonate like echoes—faint but persistent, evolving over time.

Jin contributed to the lyrics of several tracks, including:
- Nothing Without Your Love
- Loser (feat. YENA)
- Rope It
- Travel with the Clouds
The title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” explores the emotional complexity of love’s end. It delves into the feeling of holding on even as everything begins to fall apart.
- Also read: X:IN announces 3rd mini album ‘Defend Myself’ with mood photos ahead of May comeback
Upcoming tour: #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR

To support the album, Jin will launch his first solo fan concert series, #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, beginning with performances at Goyang Sports Complex Auxiliary Stadium on June 28 and 29. The global tour will visit 18 cities across Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and more. Fans can expect performances from ‘Echo’ as well as Jin’s first solo album, ‘Happy,’ released in November 2024.
April 24, 2025