From early-2010s electro-pop nostalgia to an edgier twist for an otherwise bright girl group, last week’s K-pop releases included two sub-units with two very different sonic identities, and a special spotlight on a softer yet thoughtful B-side track for a group that’s known for its harder-hitting anthems.

---

V8 - “singasong”

Another SEVENTEEN subunit has arrived — this time from members Vernon and THE8, coming together as the duo, V8. With their debut single, “singasong,” the members dive headfirst into the electronic genre while largely emulating the late 2000s/early 2010s era. As many fans have already pointed out, the title track is very reminiscent of the famous American duo LMFAO, whose electro-pop hits like “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It” took the world by storm in 2011, and are considered staples of that time. V8 have even incorporated the popular Melbourne Shuffle dance move in their choreography — another signature element popularized by LMFAO. While other SVT subunits have gravitated towards dance-pop, R&B, and deep house, it’s nice to see V8 carve out their own little corner of the market with more European rave-inspired sounds.

UAU - “GENE”

Following their 2025 debut with double title tracks, “2 Months” and “Attitude,” Dreamcatcher’s first sub-unit, UAU, has returned with their summer pop-house hybrid, “GENE.” The unit, consisting of JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon, is uniquely refreshing, as it directly contrasts Dreamcatcher’s rock-based sound that they’ve built since 2017. With their debut EP focusing on pop, R&B, and dance, the addictive bass rhythm of “GENE” is yet another addition to UAU’s successful branding at making the sub-unit its own thing. If you’re looking for more summery K-pop songs for your playlist, this is an essential.

ONEUS - “Under”

Six months after releasing their Korean single album, ONEUS is back with their newest Japanese single, “Under.” With a groovy bassline and sparkling synths, the single is pure pop-funk excellence, highlighting a youthful and charming band sound fitting for the warm weather. While it’s not an explosive, anthemic number like some of the group’s usual tracks, “Under” does just enough to get your foot tapping and shoulders moving. Sometimes the most effective and memorable songs are the ones that make the most of their simplistic, easygoing productions.

UDTT - “VIPER”

Rookie girl group UDTT debuted in April 2025 with their title track, “REALLY REALLY,” a sweet and high-energy pop track that perfectly complemented their soft, feminine aesthetic. However, their B-side, “RETRY,” hinted at a more mature side of the group with its R&B production. Now, over a year later, the quintet finally made their first comeback with “VIPER,” exploring that mature side even further with a powerful contemporary pop sound. If their debut was cheerful and bright, “VIPER” is dark, edgy, and heavily leans into the popular girl-crush style that’s become an essential for girl group concepts. Even after hearing the highly addictive hook once, it’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

OMEGA X - “Life Detox”

Two weeks after dropping their fourth mini album, UNCAPPED, and its eponymous title track, boy group OMEGA X has released a mood film for the album’s more introspective B-side, “Life Detox.” As the closing song to UNCAPPED, the track opts for a softer alternative-pop sound rather than the more vibrant dance-pop style of the lead single. With members Jaehan, Yechan, and Xen heavily involved in the writing and composing process, the group can delve deeper into themes of self-reflection, as heard in the lyrics of wanting to go into “off-mode” when life becomes too overwhelming and loud. “Turning off my alarms, to all the slow-ass updates / Can’t keep up anyway, life detox / It’s a life, it’s a lot,” the group sings in the hook, reminding listeners that mental breaks and self-care are perfectly valid and deserved.