THE first wave of K-pop idols who will visit the country this year for their concerts and fan meets have been revealed, and for sure, fans have already purchased their tickets, especially for the events happening in January.
But other fans, particularly K-pop multi-stans or those who like multiple artists, might have to prepare themselves and their wallets again after several well-known South Korean idols announced their return to the music scene. With these comebacks, fans can expect a physical album release from their favorite artists.
In case you’re wondering who they are, here’s the list of K-pop idols who are expected to drop new songs in 2024:
Stray Kids
Fourth-generation K-pop boy group Stray Kids or SKZ has unveiled its plans to its fans, collectively known as STAY, for this year.
In its “STEP OUT 2024” video, the eight-member group revealed that it will be releasing two albums, including a special album. SKZ’s latest album was released in November 2023 titled “Rock-Star,” which is composed of eight tracks.
SKZ will also release video series, including “SKZ-PLAYER,” “1 Kid’s Room,” and “2 Kids Show.”
Filo STAYs are probably hopeful to see the members as the group is set to hold its fourth fan meeting and embark on its third world tour.
SKZ was in the country in 2023 thrice for its fan meeting organized by a local clothing brand in January, its two-day “MANIAC” concert in March, and to attend the 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in December.
BabyMonster
BabyMonster, the newly launched girl group of YG Entertainment, has announced that it will be dropping a new single titled “Stuck in the Middle” on February 1.
If there’s anything that fans will expect from the forthcoming song, producer Yang Hyun-suk said that it will not be a hip-hop track. Instead, it will make a listener feel like they are in outer space.
“Whenever I listen to this song, I close my eyes. It feels like being in a state of zero gravity in outer space,” he said in Korean, as translated in a YouTube video titled “BABYMONSTER NEXT PHASE.”
He added, “It’s a song that can be described as ‘beautiful.’”
The group is also expected to release its mini-album on April 1.
BabyMonster officially debuted in November 2023, with the song “Batter Up.” It is currently composed of six members because the supposed seventh member, Ahyeon, was not able to debut due to health issues.
Yang said that Ahyeon’s comeback was still uncertain when he was asked about the agency’s plans for her. However, he assured fans that he would keep them posted.
IU
UAENAs, or IU’s fans, are celebrating on social media as the singer-songwriter will be returning to the music scene, following the release of her special mini-album “Pieces” in December 2021.
In her December 25 YouTube video, IU shared that she had recorded a song until dawn. She dropped a clue about the forthcoming track and revealed that its name will be different from the usual three-letter titles.
Asked to give more details about the song, the idol simply said, “Spirit!”
“Koreans have the spirit. I expressed the spirit unconsciously. I listened to it and was like ‘Whoa,’” she said.
IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, also revealed that she will spend most of her time abroad in January 2024 to finish her new album.
“I want to express new things and many different things in the new album. So, I’ll wrap it up in other countries,” she added.
It was previously reported that IU would appear in the music video of a new song with BTS member V. The K-pop star is currently serving his military duties, along with his other members.
G-Dragon
BIGBANG member G-Dragon is also making a comeback in 2024, according to reports.
The K-pop idol, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, has signed an exclusive contract with a new agency, Galaxy Corporation, after leaving his former company, YG Entertainment.
Galaxy Corporation director Jo Sung Hae reportedly confirmed G-Dragon’s comeback in a press conference in December 2023, as they announced him as the new artist of the firm.
G-Dragon will also be establishing an anti-drug foundation called “JusPeace” in a bid to raise drug awareness. He announced this after he had been cleared of drug allegations.
SISTAR19
Iconic duo SISTAR19 surprised their fans with an announcement that they will be releasing a new song, titled “No More (Ma Boy).”
The subunit of the girl group SISTAR–composed of Bora and Hyolyn–said that the digital single is set to be released on January 16.
Fans speculate the forthcoming song will be an upgraded version of the duo’s debut song “Ma Boy” in 2011. SISTAR19 is also known for its 2013 song “Gone not around any longer.”
TWICE
The new year started right for the fans of K-pop girl group TWICE, known as ONCE, as the members announced the upcoming release of their 13th mini album “With YOU-th.”
It will be dropped on February 23, following the pre-single release of “I GOT YOU.”
The nine-member group shared a mood film for its new album on January 2, and ONCEs couldn’t be more excited about it.
The forthcoming album follows the release of TWICE’s latest single “Dance Again” in December 2023 and “Ready to Be” album in March 2023.
EXO’s D.O.
K-pop star and EXO member D.O. is also offering his fans new songs as it was reported that he would have a solo comeback this year.
The news came after it was confirmed in October 2023 that the singer parted ways with SM Entertainment and joined a new agency called Company SooSoo.
According to a report by Soompi, a representative from the company said D.O., whose real name is Do Kyungsoo, is “currently preparing for a new album.” This will be his debut album under Company SooSoo, which is aimed to be release “in the first half of the year.”
But “no specific details have been finalized at the moment,” the representative added.
In September 2023, D.O. released his second mini-album titled “Expectation.”
