From BIGBANG to Monsta X, K-pop bigwigs return in April
K-pop fans’ long wait will finally come to an end in April, with their favorite stars, like Suho of K-pop boy group EXO and BIGBANG — who have been on a hiatus for years — planning to return to the music scene with their new offerings.
1. EXO’s Suho (April 4)
Suho of K-pop boy group EXO, who was discharged from his alternative military service in February, will be releasing his new solo album, “Grey Suit,” April 4.
The upcoming album will present a moment of healing for people, according to his record label, SM Entertainment.
“Suho participated in the creative process of all six tracks included in his new album,” the company said in a statement. “It will mostly center on the theme of time. The lead single, in particular, is a progressive rock song about a man who sees his empty and grey-colored world changing after he reunites with his loved one.”
Suho, whose real name is Kim Jun-myeon, debuted as the front man of EXO in 2012 with the track, “MAMA.” EXO rolled out a series of hits, such as “Growl” (2013) and “Call Me Baby” (2015). In 2020, Suho unveiled his first solo EP, “Self-Portrait,” shortly before starting his alternative military duty.
2. BIGBANG (April 5)
K-pop titan BIGBANG will be back, too.
The YG Entertainment act, which is known as one of the most successful groups in K-pop history that gave birth to a string of hits like, “Haru Haru” (2008), is slated to put out a new track titled, “Still Life,” about four years after the release of its 2018 song, “Flower Road.”
“Still Life” is BIGBANG’s first release following the departure of member Seungri in 2019, who quit the act after being embroiled in a series of scandals involving prostitution mediation and overseas gambling. He was given a one-and-ahalf-year prison term by a military court in January.
“’Still Life’ is a tune about the members’ bygone days,” YG said in a statement. “They will showcase their sincere music and messages via this track.”
In February, YG, which had been representing BIGBANG since its debut in 2006, announced that member T.O.P would terminate his contract with the company.
“T.O.P will take on different challenges as an artist and a businessman,” the company said. “But he will still be part of BIGBANG whenever he is available.”
3. Monsta X (April 11)
Monsta X is set to pick up the baton on April 11, rolling out its new EP, “SHAPE of LOVE.”
Although the details about the mini-album have not been revealed, member Joohoney took part in producing the lead track, “Love,” with Hyungwon and I.M participating in the creative process of “Burning Up” and “AND,” respectively.
“’SHAPE of LOVE’ will touch on various topics such as the members’ love for their fans,” the group’s agency Starship Entertainment said in a statement.
Monsta X burst onto the K-pop scene in 2015 with the album, “Trespass,” and has dropped numerous songs, including “Dramarama” (2017). Member Shownu is currently doing his alternative military duty.
4. Onew (April 11)
“Dice,” a solo album by Onew of K-pop boy band SHINee, will also hit shelves on April 11.
According to his management company, SM Entertainment, “Dice,” which is fronted by the namesake lead single, will carry six tracks of diverse genres.
“The album will shed light on Onew’s unique voice and vibe,” the company said in a statement, Wednesday.
Onew is the leader of SHINee, which debuted in 2008 with the EP, “Replay.” He made his solo debut in 2018 with the EP, “Voice,” unleashing the mini-album only five days before joining the Army.