K-Pop Hotspot: May 2025 Comebacks & Debuts Roundup

Summer is almost upon us, and these K-Pop comebacks are getting us more and more hyped for the new season! Trust us, besties: our May K-Pop Hotspot has just the thing to bless your K-Pop playlists.

Let’s go over the May K-Pop comebacks we’ve already covered first. Check out our reviews for TXT, KATSEYE, P1Harmony, DAY6, RIIZE, SHINee, BOYNEXTDOOR, i-dle, SEVENTEEN, and UAU!

We think the K-Pop groups and soloists killed it this month! But now it’s time to prove it with our newest K-Pop Hotspot with the comebacks we had on our radar.

THIS MONTH’S NEWS

We can already feel this summer being one for the books! Korean hip-hop artist Loco is back with a brand new pre-release single called ‘random summer night’ feat. Jordan Ward. This track comes in preparation of SCRAPS, Loco’s first full-length album since becoming an independent artist. Check out the in-depth coverage of Loco’s new song here!

EPEX

Our May K-Pop hotspot started ‘so nice’ with EPEX‘s collab with the talented duo joan. This is a refreshing and bright English single to kick off the month just right. It’s a very addictive track that we think is just perfect for the warm seasons. Not to mention how much we’re smiling when we watch its music video. Seeing EPEX have fun hanging out with joan is a sight that gives us so many positive vibes, and it matches perfectly with the atmosphere of ‘so nice.’ This is your new feel-good song, so you’d better add it to those playlists.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EPEX:
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E’LAST

Did you already board the E’LAST ‘Crazy Train,’ or do we need to guide the way? Watch your step: it’s highly addictive. The group has never stopped experimenting with new concepts and styles, always bringing their best to the table. ‘Crazy Train’ is extremely compelling with its bright and fun vibes that you can catch in both the song and its music video. We know we’ll catch you swaying and getting hyped up, especially during the chorus. It’s simply irresistible.

E’LAST also puts as much effort into their b-sides as they do into their lead singles. It would be cruel of us to not share some suggestions, so here are a few of our faves from the EP. For the fans of upbeat bangers to lose yourself to, ‘Gotham’ is definitely your pick. For those who like something that lets the members’ vocals shine in a more sensible way, then we’d direct you towards ‘Misery.’ But at the end of the day, we’ll always recommend you give all of VERSUS a listen. You won’t regret it.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT E’LAST:
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TRIPLES

tripleS has blessed our K-Pop playlists once again with a new album release! <ASSEMBLE25> is the girl group’s second full album, with 10 killer songs. The title track, ‘Are You Alive,’ has a somewhat darker concept, exploring the less attractive aspects of youth. Of course, we also get the “la la la la la” lines that are a staple to any tripleS title track. Our favorite b-sides are the dreamy ‘Love Child’ and the dance track ‘Diablo.’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIPLES:
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MEOVV

We’ve been not-so-patiently waiting on MEOVV‘s first mini-album, and it’s finally here! The pre-release song, ‘HANDS UP,’ got us so hyped for this comeback. And these girls did not disappoint with MY EYES OPEN VVIDE. The title track, ‘DROP TOP,’ shows off each member’s incredible vocals and versatile rap skills. We especially love their chill new b-side, ‘LIT RIGHT NOW.’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEOVV:
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NCT YUTA

NCT YUTA is fully claiming 2025 as his year, and we’re living for it! He just dropped his first Japan single album, TWISTED PARADISE. It features two new songs and the live versions of ‘Off The Mask’ and ‘BAD EUPHORIA.’ ‘TWISTED PARADISE’ is a powerful title song with an amazing electric guitar melody. YUTA truly doesn’t get enough credit for his show-stopping vocals. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YUTA:
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MONSTA X

We didn’t think we’d be getting so much MONSTA X content again so soon, but we aren’t complaining! For their 10th anniversary, MONSTA X has released the first part of their NOW PROJECT. The members re-recorded 10 of their most iconic tracks, from ‘Rush Hour’ to ‘Beautiful Liar.’ We can’t wait for what they’ll do next, but we hope a tour announcement is on its way soon. (Wishful thinking, but we can’t help it.)

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MONSTA X:
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JEONG SEWOON

We’re always delighted to get new music from JEONG SEWOON. His latest mini-album, Brut, is a delightful compilation of songs that highlights his distinct, gentle, yet strong vocals. The title ‘goodbye,’ while starting and featuring his sweet tone, has quite the powerful appeal, charming us instantly. With its powerful declaration of letting go of a relationship that was not working out, ‘goodbye’ has us in its clutches the whole time and tickles that part of our brain just right during the bridge. How can we not be obsessed?

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JEONG SEWOON:
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DKZ JAECHAN

It’s been a hot minute since we heard solo music from DKZ’s JAECHAN, but the waiting finally came to an end. ‘Poster Boy’ is giving us so much opportunity to admire JAECHAN’s vocals while vibing to the song. Honestly, the track got us curious and hooked immediately, and if you listened, you’d know why. Is this us trying to pique your interest? Perhaps. Is it working? Either way, be careful because we know you’ll love it right away. However, it’s not just the title track that showcases his beautiful voice. The entirety of the JCFACTRY vol. 2 mini-album is a treat for the ears, and you wouldn’t want to miss it. In particular, ‘The Light’ stands out to us, and we recommend you check it out as well!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JAECHAN:
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BAEKHYUN

The incredible and incomparable Baekhyun is back with his fifth mini-album, Essence of Reverie! This solo comeback comes just in time, as he’s about to embark on his summer world tour. ‘Elevator’ makes the perfect title track: it’s catchy and fun, giving us ‘Candy’ vibes. We seriously can’t stop listening to this no-skips EP. Every song on it is our favorite!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BAEKHYUN:
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YOON JISUNG

As we move into the summer, we need to start putting together our summer K-Pop playlist. Yoon Jisung‘s new single, ‘Voyage,’ seems like a great place to start! From filming right on the beach to the refreshing instrumental, this song instantly relaxes us. We didn’t know how much we missed his voice before listening to this track. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOON JISUNG:
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BLACKSWAN

BLACKSWAN has been absolutely slaying their recent concepts, and we’re here for it! This quartet just released their new single album, I LIKE IT HOT, and it’s fireeee (pun intended). With the music video being shot in Dubai and on a luxurious yacht, this is our mood all summer 2025. If this is just a peek into their upcoming album and tour vibes, then we’re prepared to be blown away! 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLACKSWAN:
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BANG YONGGUK

We’re entering our K-Pop summer with Bang Yongguk‘s new single, ‘Motion!’ He sings about spending time with a lover, wanting to play back the moments in slow motion. He sweeps us off our feet every time he smiles. It’s the ultimate summer jam if we’ve ever heard one. We especially love the retro-style music video and the Afrobeats and amapiano instrumental. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BANG YONGGUK:
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RED VELVET IRENE & SEULGI

Mothers knew we needed a comeback this May! Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI are back with their second mini-album, TILT. It’s edgy, iconic, and absolutely irresistible. The music video visuals for ‘TILT’ had our jaws on the floor, especially that choreography. We won’t be able to pick our favorite b-sides even if we tried. This duo has perfected the no-skips album, and we’ll be replaying TILT if anyone needs us. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RED VELVET:
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KICKFLIP

If the words “school’s out” had a signature soundtrack, then it would be KickFlip‘s new EP, Kick Out, Flip Now! We can’t believe these boys are already back with their second mini-album. The title track, ‘FREEZE,’ gives off teenage rebel vibes, which is so real. The entire EP exudes an upbeat and rebellious energy. Our favorite b-sides are ‘Before the Sun Explodes’ and ‘How We KickFlip.’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KICKFLIP:
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IU

We find something so comforting about every IU comeback. Her new cover EP, A flower bookmark, Pt. 3, has healed something inside our hearts. The lead single, ‘Never Ending Story,’ remakes Kim Tae-won’s 2002 song, originally sung by Lee Seung Chul. Everyone knows IU’s vocals are on another level, but can we talk about her acting in the music video? The chemistry was so sweet, and we were fully sobbing by the end. Tens across the board for this cover mini-album. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IU:
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N.FLYING

We love us some K-Bands. And having N.Flying drop a full album this May was one of our highlights so far. The group also marked 10 years since their debut in Korea, which made Everlasting all the more special. With 12 whole tracks, this album offers a range of atmospheres to choose from, including introducing the Korean versions of some well-loved Japanese tracks, as well as giving us some brand new music. What is the common thing between all the songs? You’ll feel the outstanding talent of N.Flying and their absolutely rich music.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT N.FLYING:
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THE ROSE

We’re closing out our May K-Pop hotspot with The Rose‘s new album, WRLD! As one of our favorite K-Bands, The Rose knows how to pull at our heartstrings and give us a high-quality album from start to finish. They even blessed us with a live performance video of all seven songs. This performance healed our inner child, and our favorites include ‘O’ and ‘Slowly.’ We love how each member gets their time to shine in the album, and we’re even more excited for their Once Upon A WRLD Tour this summer!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROSE:
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That was our newest K-Pop hotspot! What was your favorite May K-Pop comeback and debut? Which comebacks are you most looking forward to in June? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us @TheHoneyPOP!

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Authors: Julie Dam, Marty.