This week’s K-pop releases include two emotionally-driven Japanese comebacks, a film-worthy end to a rock & roll fairytale, and three pleasantly surprising collaborations, both vocally and production-wise. Whether it’s ZEROBASEONE’s latest outing as a five-piece or the return of famous ‘80s-inspired producers Sweetune, these are some of the top picks of the week.

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TXT - “Setsuna Hanabi”

After releasing their eighth Korean EP, 7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns, back in April, five-member group TXT is back with their fifth Japanese single, “Setsuna Hanabi.” Incorporating the pulsing rhythm of Brazilian funk, “Setsuna Hanabi” – which translates to “fleeting fireworks” – is dynamic in its beat, yet melancholic in its melody. Lyrically, the track compares the temporary look of midsummer fireworks to an inevitable parting. Even without knowing the deeper meaning ahead of time, the somberness is felt and heard through the members’ vocal deliveries, like longing for something you didn’t even know you would miss. That’s one of TXT’s defining qualities – being able to go against a song’s infectious rhythm and dig deeper into what’s actually being conveyed underneath.

ONEWE - “Scenario”

After kicking off their new “Dot·Line·Plane” series with single album, 點 : The Quiver, in May and digital single, 線 : The Wake, in July, Korean rock band ONEWE have officially concluded the saga with the studio album, 面 : Unknown Atlas. Its title track, “Scenario,” is an alt-rock song fusing vibrant piano melodies with majestic string sounds, as lyrics follow the process of rediscovering dreams and passion. Each member plays his part like a designated role in a movie – Kanghyun, Giuk, and Dongmyeong’s vocals serve as musical narration, while Harin’s drumming keeps the story steadfast, and Kanghyun’s guitar solo brings the track to an uplifting crescendo. With each entry of the saga focusing on fairytales and mythological stories, “Scenario” feels like the perfect bookend to ONEWE’s magical journey.

ZEROBASEONE - “Existence”

Following their significant restructuring from nine members to five earlier this year, ZEROBASEONE have returned with their second Japanese EP, 回帰LOVE. The lead single, “Existence” – which was pre-released on August 10 – is a sentimental, melody-driven track focused on the nostalgic theme of youth and connection, written by Japanese band Omoinotake. As opposed to the heavy R&B sound the group took on with “TOP 5” back in May, “Existence” goes for a lighter, city pop style. “I could be just as I was / The everyday days I spent with you / I envy them, while only time passes by,” Taerae sings in the first verse. Musically, this pairs well with the song's themes and the members’ vocals are just as refreshing in this softer tone as they are in their more sophisticated material.

JUN. K - “Your Lips (feat. WENDY)”

Two months after delivering his recent pop/R&B single, “Midnight Ticket,” 2PM member and soloist JUN. K is back with “Your Lips,” featuring Red Velvet member Wendy. While “Midnight Ticket” had a more laidback, sensual vibe, “Your Lips” ups the tempo with dreamy synthesizers and a groovy dance-pop element that makes this R&B track feel more like a swanky night on the town. Vocally, there couldn’t have been a better match for this duet than Wendy – her warm, light tone complements JUN. K’s soulful timbre naturally, and there’s a chemistry in the way their vocals bounce off of each other that lends itself to the song’s romantic atmosphere and sincerity.

MASHIRO - “HOTLINE (feat. BOBBY)”

After debuting as a member of Kep1er in 2022, and re-debuting in girl group MADEIN in 2024, Japanese idol Mashiro has made her solo debut with “HOTLINE.” Combining dance-pop with Afrobeat rhythms, the track portrays themes of personal attraction and confidence, focusing on the undeniable chemistry between the singer and the person she has her eyes on. Through the song, that person is labelmate and iKON rapper Bobby, whose voice appears in the second verse to add the male perspective of this mutual and steamy attraction. Bobby’s presence adds a welcomed layer to the song, and it’s just the right amount to enhance the melody without taking away from Mashiro’s sweet vocals and enchanting aura.

ODD YOUTH - “can’t go back”

Debuting in 2024, five-member girl group ODD YOUTH is back with their third single album, can’t go back, and its eponymous title track. Arriving as a closer to the summer season, “can’t go back” might just be the most “K-pop-sounding” track in a while thanks to the return of prolific K-pop producers, Sweetune, known for their 1980s-style synth-pop and disco sound for groups like Kara, Rainbow, Brown Eyed Girls, and Nine Muses. After an extended hiatus, the team brings back that same energy with “can’t go back” – this time, blending their signature synth-pop sound with ‘80s-inspired rock textures. With ODD YOUTH’s higher vocal ranges and bubbly tone, the production is anthemic, nostalgic, and fitting for an end-of-summer blowout bash.