It has been a big month for collaborations in K-pop – from singer IU and BTS rapper Suga to Vixx’s Ravi and power vocalist Ailee. Here are 10 new K-pop and J-pop releases to check out.
LOOK
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/3boWqZ7
The six-member girl group make a strong return with their ninth EP Look, cementing their status as one of K-pop’s longest-running and consistently active girl groups.
EIGHT
IU featuring Suga
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
A collaboration between IU (left), one of South Korea’s most popular female soloists, and rapper Suga from hit boy band BTS, Eight is a breezy, upbeat track about a beautiful orange island that is charting well in Singapore.
With lyrics like “there is no gloomy ending there/ I’ll see you in the memory forever”, the song has been interpreted by many fans to be a tribute to IU’s late friends, singer Jonghyun and singer-actress Sulli.
FLY WITH ME
Millennium Parade
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/2ArKjOd
1719
HA:TFELT
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/2Am9d1r
Former Wonder Girls member Yeeun, now known as HA:TFELT, pours her heart out in this deeply personal album. It documents the darkest years of her life between 2017 and 2019, during which she battled suicidal thoughts.
STILL STANDING
Yesung and Suran
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/3fJiot8
WHAT ABOUT YOU
Ravi and Ailee
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/2LnttSD
This track by boy band Vixx’s Ravi and power vocalist Ailee is a cool diss track for former lovers who are bitter about, yet still enamoured of, each other.
LEO
BOL4 featuring Baekhyun
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/2YWLgbd
This spring-time duet – between soloist BOL4 and Baekhyun, one of boy band Exo’s primary vocalists – uses piano and string instruments to create a melodious sound. The singers harmonise well too.
I JUST WANT TO STAY WITH YOU
Zion.T
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/3fMlQmy
Hip-hop and R&B artist Zion.T lends his healing voice to the soundtrack of fantasy drama The King: Eternal Monarch, with this soulful ballad.
SPRING TO SPRING
Hoppipolla
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/3brHtFu
The rookie South Korean band’s first mini album is a strong showcase for the members’ talents, with ballads such as Enough and the alternative rock track About Time.
The cello, played by Hong Jin-ho, imbues all the tracks with a beautiful classical sound.
SINGALONG
Ryokuoushoku Shakai
Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms
Watch it on: bit.ly/3fJuySU