2024 has introduced many good and solid music.
From head-bobbing songs to heartfelt ballads, various local and international artists made sure that their fandoms from all over the world have something new to enjoy and add to their playlists.
This year also saw several South Korean idols surprising their fans with their return to the music scene after years of hiatus, releasing their long-awaited songs and holding world tours.
Whether they are groups, sub-units, or soloists, these five much-awaited K-pop comebacks in 2024 were one for the books:
SISTAR19
Iconic duo SISTAR19, composed of Bora and Hyolyn, delivered a sizzling comeback with their new single “No More (Ma Boy),” which speaks about the complexities of love.
It was released in January alongside a sultry music video, featuring Bora and Hyolyn in cowgirl-inspired outfits in a snowy setting.
“No More (Ma Boy)” came over a decade after SISTAR19, the sub-unit of girl group SISTAR, dropped “Gone not around any longer” in 2013. The duo debuted in 2011 with the release of their single “Ma Boy.”
IU
South Korean singer-actress IU treated not only her fans, collectively known as UAENAs, but also ARMY, or the fandom of K-pop powerhouse BTS, with her new single “Love wins all.”
The music video of the sentimental track, which talks about the power of love, featured V of K-pop powerhouse BTS accompanying IU in a post-apocalyptic world.
“Love wins all” marked IU’s comeback in two years after she released her extended play (EP) “Pieces.” IU did not only return to the music scene but also to the country for her “HEREH” concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan in June, marking her first return to the Philippines in four years after “Love, Poem.”
2NE1
2024 also ended the drought for second generation K-pop fans, with the return of K-pop sensation 2NE1.
In July, South Korea entertainment agency YG Entertainment shook the internet when it announced that 2NE1 would hold a world tour, which kicked off in Seoul, South Korea. Such an announcement was a pleasant surprise for their fans, also known as Blackjacks, especially since 2NE1 officially disbanded in 2016.
But Blackjacks continued to support the girl group—composed of CL, Bom, Minzy, and Sandara—which was evident during the Manila leg of their “Welcome Back Asia Tour” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 2NE1 dropped their “Welcome Back” Japanese album on Christmas Day, December 25.
G-Dragon
Even the new generation of K-pop idols celebrated the highly-anticipated comeback of K-pop icon G-Dragon with the release of his new single “POWER,” his first solo music in seven years.
This upbeat single, which “manifests the essence of music,” was part of his collaboration with Galaxy Corporation and EMPIRE, a major independent record label with singer-songwriter Shaboozey on its roster of artists.
2024 became an extraordinary year for VIPs, or fans of K-pop powerhouse BIGBANG, as members G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung made their legendary comeback on the stage during the 2024 MAMA Awards in Japan, where they performed their latest collaboration track “HOME SWEET HOME.”
JAY B
JAY B, the leader of phenomenal K-pop boy group GOT7, was warmly welcomed by his fans back from his mandatory military service and to the musical arena in November, more than a year after he released his special album titled “Seasonal Hiatus.”
The vocalist returned with his first full-length solo album, “Archive 1: [Road Runner],” featuring 11 tracks including “Crash” and “Cloud Nine.” The two songs were accompanied by music videos, which highlighted JAY B’s immaculate vocals and passionate dance performances.
But this is just the beginning of what JAY B and GOT7 members Mark, Jinyoung, Jackson, Youngjae, Yugyeom, and BamBam have in store for their fans, known as Ahgases. The septet is set to return as a full unit in January 2025 with a new mini album titled “Winter Heptagon.”
