Get ready, K-Pop fans! August is shaping up to be an absolute explosion of new music, comebacks, and highly anticipated debuts. From veteran groups making long-awaited returns to global powerhouses dropping fresh tracks, this month’s lineup is guaranteed to keep your playlists hot and your stan heart full. We’re talking about Red Velvet, Stray Kids, Katseye, Enhypen, and NCT 127 all confirming major albums, with whispers of a Big Bang comeback making the rounds – their first in four years! Let’s dive into the details of who’s releasing what and when.
Red Velvet: A “Velvet Summer” Return
Kicking off the lineup, Red Velvet will return as a full group with the EP “Velvet Summer” on Aug. 3, marking its first release in two years.
The album will be the group’s first summer-focused EP in eight years, following “The Red Summer” in 2017 and “Summer Magic” in 2018, which featured seasonal hits “Red Flavor” and “Power Up,” respectively.
While the earlier highlighted the group’s bright and energetic musical identity, “Velvet Summer” is expected to foreground its smoother and more subdued side. The lead track, “Surfin’ Boy,” with lyrics written solely by member Joy, blends bossa nova guitar, reggae rhythms and a relaxed groove, according to SM Entertainment. Reveluvs are undoubtedly excited for this fresh take on their summer sound!
Stray Kids Drop “This & That”
Stray Kids comes next on Aug. 7 with their 10th EP, “This & That.”
The eight-track album is led by its title track and includes the prerelease single “Run It,” which dropped June 24. The group’s in-house production unit 3Racha — consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin and Han — participated in all eight tracks, continuing Stray Kids’ self-produced approach. This commitment to their unique sound is a major draw for their dedicated fanbase, Stays.
Interest in the release has continued to build, with its album trailer topping YouTube’s worldwide music video trending chart for several consecutive days. As of Tuesday, the album also ranked No. 3 on Spotify’s Global Countdowns chart, which tracks upcoming releases with the most presaves worldwide, solidifying Stray Kids’ global impact.
Katseye’s “Wild” EP & World Tour
Hybe and Geffen Records’ global girl group Katseye will release its third EP “Wild” on Aug. 14, approximately one year and two months after its second EP, “Beautiful Chaos.”
The album includes the digital single “Animal” — which was released as a prerelease single on Friday — with lyrics co-written by an incredible lineup including Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Blake Slatkin and Omer Fedi. This collaboration highlights the group’s global ambitions and star power.
Ahead of the EP, the group’s first theatrical documentary, “Katseye: Wild Hearts,” is scheduled to screen on Aug. 12, offering fans an intimate look into their journey. The group will also launch its “The Wildworld Tour,” spanning 31 concerts across North America and Europe in September, a monumental undertaking for the rising stars.
Enhypen’s “The Sin: Bliss”
Enhypen is also slated to return Aug. 21 with its eighth EP, “The Sin: Bliss.” The lead track, “Bloody Paradise,” is a Brazilian funk-based dance song that depicts two lovers clinging to one another while caught in a dangerous pursuit. Producer Julia Lewis, who participated in Bad Bunny’s “El Club,” worked on the song, while Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko contributed lyrics following his involvement in the group’s previous track “Knife.” Engenes can anticipate a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album also features country pop-rock track “Two Fools” and alternative hip-hop song “Stuck,” alongside narrated tracks performed by actor Park Jung-min and news anchor Kim Su-ji. The narration will be available in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese, allowing overseas listeners to follow the intricate storyline of the album, further enhancing their unique lore.
NCT 127 Celebrates 10 Years with “Blingy”
NCT 127 will also release its seventh LP “Blingy” on Aug. 24, marking its first major LP in approximately a year and a significant return for their 10th anniversary.
The nine-track album arrives as the group celebrates the 10th anniversary of its debut. According to SM Entertainment, it reflects on NCT 127’s decadelong journey while expressing the members’ pride in the group and their commitment to moving forward together. This release is not just an album, but a celebration of their enduring legacy.
The album will be followed by the launch of the group’s fifth world tour, “Neo City — The Redline,” at Seoul’s Kspo Dome from Sept. 18-20. The tour will continue in cities including Jakarta, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei, bringing NCTzens across Asia an unforgettable experience.
Big Bang’s Anticipated Comeback
Veteran group Big Bang is also reportedly preparing to return with new music in August, although a specific release date has yet to be announced. This highly anticipated comeback has VIPs (Big Bang fans) on the edge of their seats.
The group first revealed plans for the release during its Coachella performance in April, its first new music since “Still Life” in April 2022. Following the music release, the trio is expected to embark on its world tour, “XX : Cosmos.” Starting with three shows in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province from Aug. 21 to 23,
Big Bang is expected to continue its 32-show tour across 18 cities through February 2027, promising a monumental return for these K-Pop legends.
August 2024 is truly a golden month for K-Pop, offering a diverse array of sounds, concepts, and unforgettable moments. From powerful group returns to the promise of new global tours, there’s something for every K-Pop fan to look forward to. Get ready to stream, enjoy, and celebrate the incredible talent that defines the K-Pop industry this summer!
