By Dong Sun-hwa
November promises to be a thrilling month for K-pop fans worldwide, with some of the most sought-after names releasing their new music offerings as winter approaches. Included in the lineup are Jungkook of K-pop juggernaut BTS, boy band ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) and girl group aespa.
Jungkook (Nov. 3)
The teaser for BTS’ Jungkook’s upcoming solo album, “Golden” / Courtesy of Big Hit Music
Jungkook’s first solo album, “GOLDEN,” is scheduled to hit shelves on Nov. 3, according to his management company, Big Hit Music.
It will feature 11 tunes sung in English, including the lead single “Standing Next to You” and two tracks he previously rolled out ― “Seven” and “3D” ― in July and September, respectively.
“Seven,” which is his first solo single, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s main singles chart and dominated iTunes top song chart in 106 regions upon its release. It was also named the third most-streamed song of the summer on streaming platform, Spotify.
“Standing Next to You” is a retro-tinged funk track highlighting the 26-year-old’s groovy voice. It was produced by Andrew Watt and Cirkut, who were behind the success of “Seven.”
Jungkook put his heart and soul into producing the upcoming album, Big Hit Music explained, adding that A-list musicians, such as British pop star Ed Sheeran and Canadian artist Shawn Mendes, participated in its creative process.
“Jungkook will display an unprecedented performance with his upcoming release,” the company said. “He is seeking to cement his position as an unrivaled solo artist.”
The album’s title, “GOLDEN,” presumably refers to the 26-year-old’s nickname, “Golden Maknae (the youngest).” Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, earned the moniker for his musical versatility which makes him stand out like gold. With the album, Jungkook aims to portray the golden moments of his life.
He is also scheduled to perform at this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Paris, Nov. 5.
ZB1 (Nov. 6)
The teaser for K-pop boy group ZB1’s new mini-album, “Melting Point / Courtesy of WAKEONE Entertainment
ZB1, a project boy band made up of the nine winners from the 2023 audition show, “Boys Planet,” will unleash its second mini-album, “Melting Point,” Nov. 6.
According to its agency, WAKEONE Entertainment, the EP will shed light on the story that “only ZB1 can unfold at this moment.” The nonet, which delved into the bright and dark sides of youth with its debut album, “Youth in the Shade,” will unveil its new musical universe in the upcoming album.
Leading the fresh EP is “Crush,” a tune showing ZB1’s determination to protect its loved ones from any harm.
“Its new musical universe will center on the theme of trust and self-confidence,” WAKEONE hinted in a statement.
The company floated two teasers on Twitter earlier this week, which features the white-clad members against the backdrop of a snowy field.
ZB1 is one of the most high-profile rookie stars in the K-pop world, which amassed 1 million followers just six days after opening its official Instagram account and selling a whopping 1.82 million copies of its debut album in the first week of its release.
Aespa (Nov. 10)
The teaser for K-pop girl group aespa’s new mini-album, “Drama” / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Aespa’s fourth mini-album, “Drama,” will arrive on Nov. 10, according to the quartet’s record label, SM Entertainment.
It will offer the lead track of the same name and five other songs of various genres, the company said, adding that it will bring aespa’s musical maturity to the fore.
More details about the mini-album have been kept under wraps, but aespa disclosed a poster hinting at its comeback on Twitter, Monday. It portrays a glamorous neon-lit city with signboards revealing the release dates of other promotional content.
Aespa’s previous mini-album, “MY WORLD,” sold 1.69 million copies during the first week of its release ― the highest record among all K-pop girl groups. The girls recently put out their first Japanese digital single, “ZOOM ZOOM.”
Red Velvet (Nov. 13)
Girl group Red Velvet is slated to make a comeback with its third studio album, “What A Chill Kill,” on Nov. 13. It has taken nearly six years for the quintet to drop a full-length album since the release of “Perfect Velvet” in 2017.
“Red Velvet will give a pleasant surprise to its fans with a more sophisticated musical universe and unique concept that only the group can pull off,” SM said in a statement.
More details about the group’s new 10-track album will be unveiled in due course.
Other notable November releases include boy group ENHYPEN’s fifth mini-album, “Orange Blood,” arriving on Nov. 17. BABYMONSTER, a new girl group launched by BLACKPINK’s agency YG Entertainment, will also make its much-anticipated debut in November, although the exact date has not been disclosed.
