What the stars are up to during Covid-19
From NU’EST to EXO’s Chanyeol, here’s how they’ve been staying busy
The global pandemic continues to take a financial blow on the K-Pop industry and put a temporary end to live performances.
Artists have taken alternative routes, from holding their own virtual live concerts to releasing new music for global fans stuck at home.
Much to the delight of their fandom worldwide, a number of artists have been dropping exciting comeback announcements and new music. From last week’s starstudded line-up, here are the top picks recommended to add to your K-Pop playlist.
1. NU’EST’s EP ‘The Nocturne’
Last Monday, NU’EST took over the K-Pop music scene with EP
The Nocturne and title track I’m in Trouble, seven months after dropping
The Table. The quintet showcased a more mature style change from their previous uplifting sound, offering a new perspective on love.
“The album focuses on nightfall, a moment that everyone encounters daily, when more honest emotions arise. The album unravels various aspects of the night, by realistically expressing emotions that many can relate to,” read a YouTube post under the group’s
I’m in Trouble video.
2. Day6’s EP ‘The Book of Us: The Demon’
The rock band continued their The Book of Us series with their latest musical offering. Fronted by title track Zombie, the eight-track EP The Book of Us: The Demon was slightly darker than its predecessors, exploring the story of sentimental imbalance a demon can cause in one’s life.
3. EXO’s Chanyeol and DJ Raiden’s single ‘Yours’ (ft. Changmo, and Lee Hi)
Last Wednesday, Chanyeol from boy group sensation EXO and rising DJ/producer Raiden collaborated on genre-crossing single
Yours with the help of soloist Lee Hi and rapper Changmo.
Featuring funky guitar and retro synth-pop sounds, the disco-style R’n’B collaborative number captivated fans with the synergy of the quartet coming from various sonic styles.
4. BVNDIT’s EP ‘Carnival’
BVNDIT, an acronym for ‘Be Ambitious and Do It’, returned confident as ever with their EP Carnival fronted by title track
Jungle, declaring they are the queens of the jungle.
Their tropical-themed comeback was also a fan favourite, seen from some of their tracks’ ranking on the UAE songs iTunes chart. On Wednesday, the rookie girl group’s powerful tracks Come and Get It, Jungle and Carnival ranked in the top 10 on the UAE iTunes all-genre songs chart.
5. BOL4’s EP ‘Puberty Book II Pum.’
Just in time for springtime, BOL4’s Ahn Ji Young dropped her fivetrack EP and title track
Hug, co-composed and written by the singersongstress herself. Just ahead of its release, she dropped a pre-release single Le,o featuring EXO’s Baekhyun.