A new month means all new comebacks and debuts for you to check out! Our April K-Pop Hotspot is packed full of incredible releases by some of our fave groups and solo artists. Not to mention the generational Coachella performances by BIG BANG and Taemin.
Speaking of our faves, we recommend that you read through some of our comeback reviews from this month. We’ve been blessed by MONSTA X, KickFlip, PLAVE, TXT, Xdinary Heroes, Yves, EVNNE, LE SSERAFIM, 82MAJOR, and LUCY!
We know you’re ready to jump in, so we won’t keep you any longer. Here are all the April K-Pop comebacks you may have missed!
KINO
Anytime a new KINO release comes our way, we know he’ll create an unforgettable atmosphere and the catchiest songs. Lost and Found isn’t the exception; it might be the rule. With four tracks, KINO extends on the EDM, club-banger sound he first explored in his previous release and makes it even more fun, even more infectious. Whether it’s the title track ‘TAXI’ or any of its B-sides, even after one listen, every song in Lost and Found finds a spot in your mind and never leaves. We’re not complaining: this proves the genius of KINO’s songwriting and composition even further.
KARD SOMIN
First Jiwoo’s solo debut, and now Somin’s solo debut! The KARD girlies are blessing us back-to-back. Somin’s debut EP, Unveil, is a seven-track masterpiece from start to finish. The title track, ‘Backseat,’ is an R&B banger with jaw-dropping choreography. Somin’s vocals are criminally underrated, and we’ll die on this hill. Don’t skip through any of her B-sides either! Some of our favorites include ‘Keep It Cute’ and ‘Como Yo A Ti,’ which is sung in Korean, English, and Spanish, by the way!
T.O.P
We never thought we’d see the day that T.O.P drops a new solo album, but we’re eternally grateful that we did! TOP SPOT – ANOTHER DIMENSION is everything our K-Pop playlists have been missing. With all the flair of a 2nd-gen K-Pop veteran, T.O.P tells his side of the story in 11 songs. From audio clips of the Korean news media reporting on his scandal to lyrics closing the chapter on the T.O.P from Big Bang, this album hits us so close to home. Keep your ear out for other Easter eggs and Big Bang references, too. TOP SPOT marks a new era for our fave, and we’ll stand by T.O.P every step of the way.
OMEGA X JUNGHOON
Next on our April K-Pop Hotspot is OMEGA X Junghoon’s new single, ‘DTT (Don’t Think Twice)!’ It’s a sultry R&B song urging someone special to follow their gut and spend time together. He wants to shower them with his affection. Really, it’s a no-brainer decision. This style suits his voice so well, and we look forward to hearing more of his songs!
ROLLING QUARTZ
It feels like K-Bands have been taking over since the start of the year, and they keep going strong! This time, it’s a collab that got us absolutely screaming and losing our minds! Having Rolling Quartz collab with THE Lee Siyeon of ChRocktikal (and Dreamcatcher!)? Absolutely iconic! ‘Roll the dice’ has us in its grip, and we’re happily letting it keep us.
AKMU
No, we’re not crying. 🥹 Why do you ask? Seven years since the duo’s last full-length album, AKMU has just dropped FLOWERING. This album documents the journey of growth these siblings have taken over the course of 11 songs. The title track, ‘Joy, Sorrow, A Beautiful Heart,’ is a true comfort for those who have lived through the best and worst that life has to offer. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics are sure to reach everyone, no matter what path they’re on. It’s their first comeback since starting their own agency, and we couldn’t be prouder.
DAYOUNG
Dayoung is quickly climbing up our list of K-Pop it girls! Her new single album, What’s a girl to do, features two high-energy tracks. ‘What’s a girl to do’ is catchy, vibey, and beyond relatable. Dayoung is willing to do anything to get her crush to fall for her as much as she’s fallen for them. Similarly, ‘priceless (kaching kaching)’ is a bop about wanting a love that matches her worth: priceless. Dayoung is here to save the summer before it’s even started.
KEVITUP
New boy group alert! KEYVITUP is here, setting the tone (see what we did?), just waiting for you to give them a chance. If you haven’t given them a listen yet, we highly recommend you check them out. We’ve been vibing to ‘KEYVITUP’ since it dropped, so of course, we’ll be trying to get you to join us. And if you want another recommendation from the album, we suggest you check out ‘Polaroid’ as well!
AMPERS&ONE
There’s something about how AMPERS&ONE‘s music hits. Every comeback, we find ourselves drawn more to the group and their style. This continued into their April comeback with DEFINITION and its title track, ‘GOD.’ The statement of “I’m no underdog” has us praising that assertiveness and cheering for them even louder.
HWASA
The next April K-Pop comeback is a brand-new single by our queen Hwasa! ‘So Cute’ is a rediscovery of childlike wonder. Hwasa sings about going back to the simple joys in life, centering love, and going after what your heart calls out to. There are even references to Hwasa’s past eras and outfits from her musical career. She’s such an inspiration to us, and we can’t get enough of this song!
HRTZ.WAV
We’ve got a new K-Band debut! Introducing hrtz.wav, a multinational boy band formed through the “Steal Heart Club” project. Their debut EP, The First Wave, absolutely blew us away. The title track, ‘NINETEEN,’ is a pop-rock song about living life to the fullest, like we did when we were 19. Youth is a mindset, and hrtz.wav’s mini-album keeps us young. With high-quality instrumentals and consistent bangers, we just might have to stan!
JAY CHANG
JAY CHANG making us swoon with ‘HIGHER?’ Sounds about right! His voice has us tuning in to his music so fast! That guitar at the beginning tickles our brains just the right way, and then those husky vocals kick in, and we are simply swaying and letting the song take over our senses. We are in need of more, and in the meantime, we’ll be streaming ‘HIGHER’ until we get tired, and we don’t see that happening. Has it earned a permanent spot on our playlists? It definitely has!
WHEEIN
Wheein blessed us on her birthday with two new songs, and we ate them up! She explores a pop punk sound with ‘The Symphony of Fxxkboys,’ an anthem about toxic, no-good boys who want nothing more than to take advantage of you. The music video goes on to address the same issues in domestic abuse and bullying situations. On the flip side, the R&B track ‘Truth Hurts’ expresses Wheein protecting herself from liars and manipulators. Nothing slides past her, and she’s putting her foot down for good. We’re living for this attitude!
NCT TAEYONG
In an unexpected new release, NCT’s Taeyong teams up with Anderson .Paak in a bangin’ new collaboration: ‘Rock Solid!’ This track gives off very old-school hip-hop vibes, and we’re here for it. The retro music video filming style especially reminds us of the 2000s era of MTV. If you’re looking for a nostalgic new song, ‘Rock Solid’ is it!
APINK
Not a year goes by without Apink releasing a special song for their anniversary. And this year, their 15th debut anniversary brings us ‘15th Season!’ The music video evokes so many emotions, showing clips from concerts and beyond the stage. Few groups can say they have successfully survived 15 healthy years together. And we love our queens so much for sticking by each other and us fans for this long. We’re on the Apink train for life at this point.
NCT WISH
April has been a great month for full-length K-POP albums! NCT WISH has released their first-ever studio album, Ode to Love! The title track of the same name is a sweet, upbeat track full of love and good vibes. We can’t seem to stop listening to it! Even as we listen through the album, there isn’t a single skip in sight. Our favorite B-sides are ‘Crush,’ ‘Glow Up,’ and ‘Voyage.’
B1A4
Do our eyes deceive us? Our April K-Pop Hotspot features a new B1A4 EP, and we’re so stoked! SET has five new songs, all of which are amazing and high quality. The title track, ‘Rock Paper Scissors,’ is a groovy and charming song with hints of hip-hop. And the music video carries the same fun energy as the song does. If you haven’t been acquainted with them in their 15-year-long career, it isn’t too late to stan!
CLOSE YOUR EYES
We are obsessed, and we don’t think that will change any time soon. CLOSE YOUR EYES are on a roll at taking over our playlists, and ‘POSE’ is definitely big when it comes to replaying one song over and over. ‘POSE’ feels like a vibrant musical experience, especially with its addictive hooks and rhythm that just gets you grooving along.
&TEAM
We’re always ‘Bewitched’ by &TEAM, and their new comeback is no exception! In their latest EP, We on Fire, &TEAM leans into their emo side, with guitar-heavy tracks and searing vocal delivery. Our standout B-side has to be ‘HOTLINE.’ We’re totally obsessed with the combination of pop-punk influences and rap melodies! And a special shout-out to MAKI, because we can’t get enough of his verse.
KIM JAEHWAN
Kim Jaehwan never fails to make us cry with his vocals. His new single, ‘I’ll Be There,’ has a comforting message of being present even when times are tough. The powerful chorus, along with the touching melody, makes this an ideal OST for a slice-of-life K-Drama. His songs are enough to melt our worries, and we’ll await his comeback for as long as it takes.
CHROCKTIKAL
ChRocktikal may have debuted only a few months ago, but they’re already doing some of the boldest, most interesting music out there. If their debut with their full-length album, We break, you awake, wasn’t proof enough, ‘NAVI’ is here to cement them as one of the most remarkable bands right now. Mixing their hard-rock influence with traditional Korean instrumentals, all tied together with Siyeon’s hypnotic vocals, we get one of the most unique songs of the year yet and a promise for even better things from the band.
TWS
TWS just dropped their fifth mini-album, NO TRAGEDY, and we’re absolutely blown away! The title track, ‘You, You,’ is a dreamy concept about falling in love at first sight. We’re huge fans of the groovy and addictive instrumental. The music video is carefree and so fresh! It wouldn’t be a TWS comeback without plenty of high-quality B-sides to pick our favorites from. We especially love ‘Get It Now’ and ‘Back To Strangers!’
HUI
Whatever HUI touches is gold, and whatever he sings is magical. This year, HUI set himself to release a song for every season, and ‘Dear Tomorrow’ is the first installment. And, indeed, the song emanates Spring with every single note. With a rock influence and HUI’s infectious pop melodies, ‘Dear Tomorrow’ is exactly what comes to mind when we think about Spring: colors, brightness, and hope. We’re already ready for Summer and more HUI music.
LEE CHAEYEON
Lee Chaeyeon’s fourth mini-album is here! We’ve been curious to see what direction she takes with this comeback, and she did not disappoint! ‘No Tears On The Dancefloor’ is a high-energy dance track that shows Chaeyeon getting her groove back after a bad breakup. She reconnects with the dancefloor and feels alive again. Her choreography is flawless, and we can’t stop watching. From the bold ‘Know About Me’ anthem to the sweet and summer-esque ‘How Are You,’ Till I Die is a THP-certified, no-skips EP!
YUJU
Yuju knew we’d been missing her music and decided to drop a new single to tide us over! ‘First Love Is a Curse’ is the type of chill song we’d play on a late-night drive. When the memories come rushing back, and we need an escape. The guitar instrumentals fit the song perfectly. Yuju’s vocals give off a sultry vibe that we’ve been hooked on forever. The music video completes the concept, with alternating black-and-white and color scenes. Yuju hits the mark with this comeback, as always.
CRAVITY
Another CRAVITY title that has us hooked? We admit, ‘AWAKE’ has us weak, and we’re not shy to admit it! CRAVITY has been making us obsessed with their music for a while now, and it doesn’t look like they’re planning to stop. ReDeFINE shows us a new side of the group, and we are always happy to see how they expand. And we want to recommend you give ‘FEVER’ and ‘Love Me Like You Do’ a chance, as well!
ILLIT
“Who’s your bias?” At this point, it’s every member of ILLIT! The girls have come back with the mini album, MAMIHLAPINATAPAI, and once again, they haven’t missed! Title track ‘It’s Me’ is their take on the hyperpop, Euro-dance trend that’s infiltrating K-Pop right now, and they do it flawlessly. We’re completely obsessed with how surreal the music video is and with how ILLIT breaks the fourth wall on fandom culture. But don’t forget to check out the B-sides, too!
We’ve been super busy with this April K-Pop Hotspot! What was your favorite comeback or debut? Which new releases are you most looking forward to in May? Let us know in the comments below, or on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP!
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