This week’s K-pop releases cover a myriad of genres, including smooth 2000s hip-hop from 82MAJOR, soft pop from Taemin, electrifying house music with a dash of hip-hop from Girls’ Generation-HRS, EDM from EXID members ELLY and Jeonghwa, and two dance-pop hits from DIVA-X and izna.

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82MAJOR - “Like Fire”

After shedding their quirky hip-hop style for a sleeker, more mature tone, 82MAJOR continues their early-2000s sound with “Like Fire.” Described as a hip-hop track with an intense dance beat, “Like Fire” is the sibling song – both sonically and narratively – to the group’s earlier single this year, “Sign.” While both are rooted in hip-hop/R&B production styles like iconic American producers Timbaland and The Neptunes, “Like Fire” adds unique, bouncy synthesizers that drive home the duality between tension and release. The vocals are the definition of 2000s-smooth, and the rap verses seamlessly keep the track grounded and anchored in a K-pop take on this nostalgic, sophisticated style.

TAEMIN - “FLOAT”

Making his Coachella debut back in April, K-pop veteran TAEMIN unveiled six brand new songs that would later be included in his newest EP, PHASE 1: Soft Violence. Now that the album is out, the singer opted for a double title-track rollout with “FLOAT” and “Gooey” – the former is a sweet-leaning pop song, while the latter draws from hip-hop/pop. While both represent two contrasting sides of Taemin, “FLOAT” is the one that’s been drawing the most attention. Written and produced by SOFTSERVEBOY, Drew Love of the R&B duo THEY., and Bava, the track is the epitome of the album’s “soft violence” concept, using an ethereal and otherworldly approach to accentuate its romantic lyrics. “Every time I’m with you, I just float / This is the greatest story told / Watch it unfold,” Taemin sings in the hook. Although the SHINee member is known for his sultry, magnetic persona, “FLOAT” shows a dreamier side to him that’s often underrepresented.

Girls’ Generation-HRS - “Skibidi”

It’s been a while since any combination of the veteran group Girls’ Generation has released and promoted a new project – four years, to be exact, since the full group dropped their 15th anniversary album, FOREVER 1. Now, SM Entertainment has debuted the girl group’s newest subunit, Girls’ Generation-HRS, a trio of SNSD’s dance line, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung. If the title track name, “Skibidi,” sounds like a joke, that’s because it is – or at least, that’s how it started.

The concept was born out of a comedic skit on Hyoyeon’s YouTube channel, where the three members competed for the “main vocal” position in Girls’ Generation. The video unexpectedly gained traction and laid the groundwork for what would become an actual music project. Combining house and hip-hop elements, “Skibidi” is about creating your own path and not taking life too seriously. While the debut does have an interesting, humorous origin, it ironically also resulted in a musically satisfying and refreshing track that knows it doesn’t have to try too hard to be cool, but effortlessly works in spite of it.

ELLY X JEONGHWA (EXID), LUCKSMITH - “JOTTHATDOWN”

The last time third-gen girl group EXID released new music was in 2022 with “FIRE” and their Japanese compilation album, Japan Activity Best. However, while not a full group comeback, EXID members ELLY and Jeonghwa have collaborated with Korean producer crew LUCKSMITH on “JOTTHATDOWN.” Featured on LUCKSMITH, Vol. 5, the song is a heavy, rhythmic track that highlights the seamless chemistry between ELLY’s signature rap flow and Jeonghwa’s captivating, evolved vocals. Written and produced by the two members – alongside BIGBRAND – “JOTTHATDOWN” delivers a fun, irresistible summer vibe that could blend in anywhere from a house party to a nightclub, on the beach, and even while driving with the roof down.

DIVA-X - “Out of Control”

After making their debut in 2025 and suffering from an extended hiatus, rookie group DIVA-X is finally back with its fourth digital single, “Out of Control.” The music video opens with an ominous narration that briefly addresses what the group has been up to since their hiatus began, like a storybook. “A year of waiting, but we never stopped. The fire never faded. A year in silence, not merely to return, but to return stronger.” From the intro alone, it seems that “Out of Control” would have a darker, moodier tone than the quintet has previously shown. However, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Described as a dance-pop style with a cheerful, hip charm, the track is a nice, lighthearted number that cruises rather than races through its runtime. If you’re looking for a lesser-known group with an upbeat attitude – despite a year full of unknown variables – look no further than DIVA-X.

izna - “DUMB HOT!”

After achieving global success with their latest Korean title track, “METRONOME,” girl group izna is back with their Japanese debut album, HANDLE WITH CARE. Among the five tracks on the album is the title track, “DUMB HOT!,” an airy dance-pop and synth-pop number that incorporates UK garage elements in its upbeat rhythm. Lyrically, the song pushes a message of self-assured confidence and letting one’s own charms overcome other people’s expectations – although this is described as a “Gen Z” message, it’s a concept everyone can relate to, regardless of age. While “METRONOME” solidified the mood and excitement of summer, “DUMB HOT!” wraps up the season with a perfect bow.