This week’s K-pop releases see the reunion of one of the industry’s first major project groups after nine years apart, the start of a new era for ZEROBASEONE since losing half of its lineup, the primal return of one of NCT’s main pillars, and so much more. From pre-summer splashes to Halloween vibes five months in advance, these last releases are eclectic, to say the least.

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I.O.I - “Suddenly”

Nine years after disbanding, MNET’s first group survival show act, I.O.I, has returned with the nostalgic synth-pop track, “Suddenly.” With a wistful melody that tugs on the heartstrings, the track commemorates the girl group’s 10th anniversary since debuting and setting the tone for future project groups to follow. For fans who experienced I.O.I.’s impactful, but short-lived success, “Suddenly” revisits the magic of what made the group so popular to begin with, and how each member has become a star in her own right since then.

ITZY - “Motto”

Following the viral success of “That’s A No No” during their “Tunnel Vision” tour, ITZY brings a refreshing energy that screams “summer vibes” in their latest title track, “Motto.” The synth-heavy and reverb-filled production soars and rarely lets up, becoming a cosmic force that encourages the listener to move forward in life with courage and fearlessness. “Take me to a better place, no matter what I’m not afraid / Yeah, I need you by my side,” Chaeryeong sings in the pre-chorus. This might just be ITZY’s most dazzling and vivacious title track to date.

ZEROBASEONE - “Top 5”

Two months after ZEROBASEONE’s tearful lineup change, dwindling from nine members to five, the group has made its first comeback as a quintet with “Top 5.” Inspired by 2000s dance-pop and R&B, “Top 5” sheds the group’s previous boyish charm for a classier and sleeker sound, signaling a true shift in their overall image. “We studied the stages and color palettes of 2000s icons like Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake,” ZB1 member Matthew told The Chosun Daily. “During recording, we were rejected multiple times for not being ‘cheesy enough’ like that era, leading to countless re-records. We aimed to balance a non-offensive yet sexy pronunciation.”Luckily, the result is a suave and chic new turn for the group’s already impressive career thus far.

TAEYONG - “WYLD”

Honing into his animalistic instincts, NCT rapper Taeyong has released his first solo studio album, WYLD, and its eponymous title track. Compared to Taeyong’s previous work, “WYLD” is visually much darker and more seductive than anything the singer has done before. With a heavy bass-driven sound, the song uses a sped-up sample of NCT’s 2018 intro track, “Neo Got My Back,” an ode to the 30-year-old’s tenure as one of the group’s leading members over the last decade.

In an interview with The Korea Times, Taeyong explained how it came up with “WYLD.” “The letters stand for Wild, Yell, Loud, and Dance. I wanted this record to encapsulate the raw ideas of animal instinct, vocal release, physical movement, and internal expression,” he said. “For a long time, I grappled with how I wanted to project myself as an artist. "WYLD" is the answer to that friction. It is the most unfiltered, honest release of the energy and instincts I had kept compartmentalized inside me.”

xikers - “OKay”

There’s something about a spooky concept being released months ahead of the actual spooky season that’s just so thrilling and satisfying. Good thing ten-member boy group xikers knows a thing or two about not limiting Halloween to just October in their newest single, “OKay.” Described as a dance-pop track with explosive choreography and raw energy, “OKay” is peak xikers energy to its core — loud chants, airtight rap verses, and an electrifying presence that’s unmistakably their sound. With an almost anthemic production and shout-worthy hook, this song is pure adrenaline.

TWS - “All The Possibilities”

After making a splash with their trendy house and R&B single, “You, You,” TWS surprises fans with yet another music video for the NO TRAGEDY B-side, “All The Possibilities.” Similar to “You, You,” “All The Possibilities” also draws from the house genre, though more languid and laid-back than the main title track. With the lyrics representing the members’ confidence to become anything their loved ones desire, both the song and its MV are dreamy while still maintaining a constant sonic pulse to drive the message forward.