This week’s K-pop releases lean heavily on new and refreshing artistic directions, two newer girl groups who are heavily involved in the writing process of their songs, an emphasis on hip-hop in its many different forms, and a nearly 25-year homecoming of sorts for one of K-pop’s most notable soloists.

Taeyong - “Storm”

After being discharged from the military in late 2025, NCT rapper Taeyong is back with a pre-release single, “Storm,” ahead of his first studio album. As opposed to his usual experimental sound, “Storm” is a more refined version of his rap-heavy style, with elements of dance music infused with Taeyong’s unique brand of hip-hop. Considering it’s been nearly three years since his solo debut — and two since he was last active as an idol — it makes sense that this new release would highlight the rapper’s maturity in tone and overall artistic direction.

aespa - “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” (feat. G-Dragon)

This week brings us two-for-two for hip-hop-infused dance tracks with aespa’s latest pre-release track, “WDA (Whole Different Animal).” Surprisingly enlisting the help of BIGBANG leader G-Dragon, the single takes a sonically dark turn for aespa, as its synth-heavy basslines provide an almost thriller-like atmosphere. The accompanying music video also supports this as it heavily leans into classic horror tropes and elements. “Got the beast unleashed, showing all my teeth / She’s a whole different animal,” Karina sings as she stares the camera down like a predator hunting its prey. By the looks of it, this new era is definitely its own beast — one that’s as calculated and dangerous as a lioness herself.

NMIXX - “Heavy Serenade”

Following the release of their pre-release track, “Crescendo,” girl group NMIXX has returned with their lead single, “Heavy Serenade.” Blending electronic elements such as acid house, trance, and drum n’ bass, the song conveys “a love so deep it feels heavy,” member Lily said in the group’s press conference. “Usually, the word "heavy" can sound negative, but we wanted to convey that the heavier the love, the more important and uncontrollable it becomes. There’s a sweeping nature to “Heavy Serenade,” as it starts out light and hazy before blossoming into this overwhelmingly cathartic climax in the final chorus. As the song comes to close, listeners are met with the same quiet softness that began this winding adventure of a listening experience.

H//PE Princess - “Stolen”

After being formed through the survival show, Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess, rookie girl group H//PE Princess released their first pre-release track, “Stolen,” with the co-sign of the Korea’s “Hip-Hop Godfather.” The single was produced by Gaeko of Dynamic Duo, whose name carries significant weight throughout the Korean industry, and is infused with an old-school hip-hop vibe that’s as cool as it is carefree. Interestingly enough, Gaeko suggested “Stolen” use lyrics based on the members’ real-life stories, making the track much more personal to H//PE Princess, and intrinsically drives the creative direction of their upcoming album on May 27.

CrazAngel - “Picasso”

"It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” This is the quote that girl group CrazAngel’s latest music video opens on, made by Picasso himself. Inspired by the famous 20th century artist, CrazAngel’s “Picasso” is described as “vocal art pop,” combining the group’s narrative of self-discovery and enlightenment with Picasso’s lifelong pursuit of perfect art. The result is a lush pop song carried by warm synths and elements of drum n’ bass to achieve that fleeting sense of urgency. Additionally, all four members are credited as lyricists on “Picasso,” injecting their own personal stories to add depth to an already captivating track.

YOUNITE - “POSE!”

Piggybacking off of K-pop’s growing house trend, eight-member boy group YOUNITE has entered the chat with the chic and runway-ready single, “POSE!” Described as a medium-tempo pop song, “POSE!” undoubtedly lives up to its name, created with the intention of feeling like you could hear this playing during an esteemed fashion show. It’s a stark contrast to YOUNITE’s previously embedded hip-hop performances — a switch that several boy groups have been making lately. During the group’s press conference for their INYUN Pt. 1 album, rapper DEY explained that they wanted something more “fluid” and “expressive” this time around that showcases their versatility — mission accomplished.

RAIN - “Feel It (너야)”

In case you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, K-pop veteran and soloist RAIN is here to fill your cup with “Feel It (너야).” Marking his solo return to the music industry in four years, “Feel It (너야)” is the singer’s first attempt at R&B/pop since his 2002 debut with “Bad Man,” and a successful one at that. Straight out of the gate, listeners are greeted with lively horns and an upbeat bassline, immediately thrusting you into a groovy soundscape that exudes class, sophistication, and charisma — all traits Rain excels at as a performer. Lyrically, the single encourages listeners to “fill it up” (a metaphor for filling one’s cup with things they love) and to “feel it,” as in live in the present and feel every moment, providing a sense of unfiltered joy with every note.

&TEAM - “Bewitched”

Continuing their sequel to the Dark Moon: The Grey City webtoon storyline, Japanese boy group &TEAM has released their latest single, “Bewitched.” Described as a “full-fledged pop-punk track,” “Bewitched” is entrenched with high-energy rock elements that evoke the anthemic feel of J-pop while also tying in the infectious K-pop melodies that the industry is known for. The accompanying music video for the song serves as an animated film, continuing the group’s ongoing lore with seamless animation and immersive action designed to instantly pull the viewer in. As animated music videos steadily become more popular within the K-pop industry, it’ll be interesting to see how &TEAM continues the narrative with their own unique universe of vampires and werewolves.