Comeback Corner

aespa, Red Velvet, TWS & More

Read on for our picks of the week.

By Chyenne Tatum

This week’s K-pop releases offer a delightful spectrum of boisterous festival energy — thanks to aespa and SEVENTEEN’s Dino as Picheolin — and the more entrancing side of K-pop with artists like TWS, Red Velvet, BABYMONSTER, and HEART OF WOMAN. Whichever mood suits your vibe this week, these latest tracks spare no expense.


aespa - “Switchblade (featuring Ty Dolla $ign)”

After making their long-awaited comeback with their second studio album, LEMONADE, aespa has released a surprise music video for its EDM-driven B-side, “Switchblade.” This release also comes after the quartet made its Lollapalooza debut last weekend in Chicago, where they performed “Switchblade” live for the first time alongside featured artist and American rapper Ty Dolla $ign. Like most of the group’s LEMONADE album, “Switchblade” thrives on its EDM and dance-pop influence, injecting just the right amount of hip-hop through Ty Dolla $ign’s verse. While it’s already enjoyed almost two months of praise among fans, the track is just the latest in a line of party-made entries in K-pop.

Red Velvet - “Orchestra”

Two years since their last comeback with Cosmic, Red Velvet is finally back in their latest EP, Velvet Summer. In general, the album gives off softer summer vibes, as seen in its neo-bossa nova title track, “Surfin’ Boy.” However, one of its standout B-sides, “Orchestra,” takes an even more languid approach in showcasing the summer delight that often goes underappreciated in a sea of upbeat dance/pop numbers. Combining R&B elements with an interpolation of renowned composer Henry Mancini’s classical piece “Lujon,” the track truly feels orchestral and serene. Its sweeping and hypnotic melody has been likened to a trance, pulling the listener into a metaphorical slumber and fulfilling the velvety side of Red Velvet that fans have long praised. Even with its runtime of just under three minutes, “Orchestra” is sure to join the ranks as one of the group’s finest moments.

TWS - “SODA SODA”

Following the release of their fifth mini album, NO TRAGEDY, and digital single, “Dream With Us,” TWS is back with their second Japanese single album, “SODA SODA.” Co-composed by members Kyungmin, Youngjae, and Jihoon, the track is a breezy city-pop number that references the excitement for a loved one with the bubbly carbonation of soda pop. While the song is about “capturing the sparkling moments of youth and cherishing them while expressing the excitement of moving forward,” the title itself is a clever play on words that capitalizes on its Japanese lyrics. Not only does “SODA SODA” represent soda as a drink, but it also uses it as the Japanese affirmative word, “souda,” which translates to “That’s right,” in English. With a groovy bass and splashy synth brass, the song is as timeless as it is effervescent.

BABYMONSTER - “MOON”

Still riding the high from their third EP, CHOOM, girl group BABYMONSTER seem like they’re on a roll to releasing a music video for each of the album’s four tracks. The latest track to receive the visual treatment is “MOON,” a Southern trap-infused R&B number driven by a heavy 808 bassline and a minimalist production. Compared to the group’s last release for “I LIKE IT” — which was the epitome of summertime fun — “MOON” is much darker both musically and visually. With haunting synths and an equally eerie video, the track could easily double as a Halloween anthem, seeing as the members are even decked out in a vampire aesthetic. For those who prefer fall over summer, this is the perfect escape if you want an early start to spooky season.

Picheolin (SVT’s Dino) - “Party Rock Rock”

After two distinct and equally enjoyable pre-release tracks, SEVENTEEN’s Dino has officially made his solo debut under his comedic alter ego, Picheolin. Among the seven tracks of his first mini-album, 吉BOARD (Gilboard), the lead single is “Party Rock Rock,” a lively homage to the Korean concept of heung, which means joy or excitement. Blending heavy EDM and trap beats with retro Korean festive energy, Picheolin enlists the help of famous Korean musician, DJ, producer, and songwriter Hitchhiker.

Although it’s been a while since the producer has worked with a mainstream K-pop label — he was instrumental in producing for SM Entertainment for over a decade — Hitchhiker is known for his unorthodox and experimental style, and pairs well with Picheolin’s explosive nature. In “Party Rock Rock’s” rambunctious chorus, there’s a sample of his 2016 electronic track, “$10,” a fun Easter egg for longtime Hitchhiker fans. Through a statement from Pledis Entertainment, Dino explained his desire to uplift listeners with this release. “Embracing these themes through Picheolin allowed me to convey my sincerity with greater ease, and I wanted to deliver comforting, relatable messages to lift people in their busy or weary daily lives.”

HEART OF WOMAN - “My Vision”

Continuing the extensive rollout of their debut album, Heart Byte: LEGACY, rookie girl group HEART OF WOMAN (or H.O.W.) have returned with another music video release — this time for the B-side track, “My Vision.” Musically, the song is described as “mid-tempo motivational pop” mixed with contemporary R&B, further cementing the group’s soundscape of early 2000s-inspired tracks. In a tasteful black-and-white video, the members are dressed in sophisticated button-down shirts, black ties, dress pants, and fedoras, but add a touch of modern flair by layering mesh long-sleeved tops over them. This is a perfect representation of “My Vision” and H.O.W. as a group — nostalgic and sleek, yet flawlessly tailored for contemporary K-pop.

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