This week in K-pop belongs to the girls – both veterans and rookies alike, with two second-gen revivals and a notable shift away from the EDM, house, and hip-hop sounds currently flooding the market, for something sweeter and overall more pop-centric. On the other side, JUN. K and HOSHI are representing the guys, covering both ends of the R&B spectrum, from chill and relaxing to groovy and dance-worthy.

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JUN. K - “Midnight Ticket”

It’s been nine months since 2PM singer JUN. K released his fourth EP, Dear My Muse, and now he’s back with his latest single, “Midnight Ticket.” Expanding on his easy-listening pop/R&B sound, the track is sung mostly in English, with the singer’s smooth timbre gliding across each note like butter on toast. Lyrically, JUN. K serenades the listener into taking a late-night ride with him, wanting nothing more than to whisk them away on a midnight adventure, hence the title. While the 38-year-old has tried many different styles over the years, both as a member of 2PM and as a soloist, there’s nothing more comforting than when he slips back into his R&B side.

HOSHI - “Snapback”

Despite currently serving in the Korean military, SEVENTEEN member HOSHI still made time to treat fans with a new song on his birthday. Described as a track that mixes old-school guitar sounds and rhythms, HOSHI’s latest solo single, “Snapback,” takes us back to the dance/R&B era of the 2000s. Right off the bat, there’s an immediate bounce to the groove that’s undeniably addictive and matches the singer’s flashy persona perfectly. As expected from the leader and main choreographer of SEVENTEEN’s performance unit, the music video focuses on HOSHI’s sharp footwork and fluid movements, making every second count alongside four other dancers. It may have been his birthday, but we were the ones to reap the musical and visual benefits.

USPEER - “WICKED GAME”

Although it’s been a solid year since they debuted, a lot has changed with rookie girl group USPEER. Not only have they moved to a new company (now under MW Entertainment), but they’ve also revamped the lineup as a six-member act after former member and leader Yeowon terminated her contract. Now they’re finally back in full swing with their newest title track, “WICKED GAME.” Centered on the story of a clumsy, but love-struck girl, the ‘wicked game’ in question is about a novice Cupid who devises a plan to help her, but isn’t very good at his job. Sonically, the song seamlessly captures this charming atmosphere with a mid-tempo pop melody that’s soft, girly, and incredibly ethereal — a stark contrast to the EDM craze sweeping the industry these days. If this is the lane USPEER is claiming, it was definitely worth the wait.

Secret - “ICE CREAM”

In between the rookie debuts and new-gen leaders taking over the K-pop space, girl group Secret reignites second-gen nostalgia with their first comeback in 12 years, with three of its remaining members: Hyoseong, Ha-na, and Yebin. In their newest title track, “ICE CREAM,” the group samples the popular classical piece, “Spring,” by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. With this sample, the track blends the dreamy atmosphere of a mid-tempo pop/dance melody, building upon the existing violin motifs with lush synths and drum beats. Lyrically, according to The Chosun Daily, the song depicts the pure heart of a child who wishes the ice cream in their hand would never melt. Even in its visuals, there’s an innocent, almost fairylike essence that makes “ICE CREAM” feel more like a dream come to life.

JeA - “ROMANCE”

Tossing her hat in the ring as one of the latest second-gen representatives this week, Brown Eyed Girls member JeA returns with her first self-directed solo project, “ROMANCE.” Delving into ‘90s pop culture aesthetics with a disco-pop sound, the song is both a reflection of the retro K-pop trends of JeA’s era and of the nostalgic fashion and sensibilities she’s long admired, while exploring the thrill of finding love in real time. Overall, “ROMANCE” seems to be a personal passion project for the singer, as it was her first time leading the musical production process from start to finish and singing its entirety in English. Hopefully, this is the start of a much-needed JeA solo renaissance.

A-plus - “Summer Night Again”

Girl group A-plus is a unique kind of K-pop act, given that they didn’t train under a Korean music label like most other groups. Instead, they were formed by the K-pop department at Howon University in Gunsan, instantly setting themselves apart with unorthodox beginnings. Debuting as a septet in 2023 and releasing one single per year, A-plus is now back as a five-piece with “Summer Night Again.” The best way to describe this song — as pointed out by many listeners — would be to call it the 2015 era of K-pop, specifically the light and airy bubblegum/dance-pop sounds of groups like GFRIEND and Lovelyz. With most groups nowadays taking on EDM, R&B, hip-hop, or Y2K pop, it’s rare to find one that harkens back to the mid-2010s K-drama-inspired pop sounds. It’s a very specific timeframe and niche, but for many, it represents simpler times – and even the entry point of their K-pop journey.