After spring which brought an impressive array of K-pop releases June saw the official start of summer a change in the concepts and releases with many groups taking the opportunity to have their great summer banger.

1. NoSo – Kaitlin 

After their incredible debut album last year, which took the world by storm, touring both the UK and the US. As well as gaining many great opportunities. Such as featuring on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert and featuring on Spotify’s first-ever Glow session, a dedicated playlist created to highlight LGBTQIA+ musicians worldwide.

Now to start the month of pride where all genders and sexualities are accepted and celebrated. NoSo took the opportunity to release their latest comeback. Once again, opening up about love and the feelings of new love and the newfound feelings of love never felt before. “Kaitlin” takes those feelings placing them on a simple guitar beat with perfect vocals. It is another great collection of NoSo’s amazing growing catalogue.

2. Up Star – Mystification 

After previously releasing the track list through singles last year, Up Star came out with their first official EP, US, in June. Which also saw the creation of each member’s social media profile.

The EP sees five of their greatest hits, starting out with their more heavy rock instrumental songs “Mystification” and “Delusion” before going into light more pure rock songs “This love in love“, “Unusual” and “Left and right“’ As each song shows the unique rock style of the band as well as their vocal ability. The EP is an unmissable created masterpiece showcasing Korea’s great rock talent.

3. EXO – Let Me In

One of two releases in June, EXO surprised fans with their first release in two years, as SM continues to once again showcase their place in the K-pop Big 3. Whilst EXO themselves looked to showcase their talent and ability after speculation over some members’ future, the song comes as a welcomed 11th-anniversary celebration.

“Let Me In” is this month’s most relaxing easy to listen song and is different from EXO’s traditional fast-paced tracks. As we instead get a chance to focus on the member’s vocals. The song’s stand-out moment comes from the incredible rapping from Chanyeol and Sehun. Which perfectly adds a different dynamic and an EXO twist to the Ballad-style song.

4. Stray Kids – S-Class

Arguably currently one of K-pop’s biggest groups at the moment. It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t love Stray Kids’ discography; the group have become one of the most active and consistent idols over the past couple of years, with 5-STAR being their second album of 2023.

Making their comeback last month, Stray Kids released what many K-pop fans are already calling the Album Of The Year, with S-Class coming in as the perfect title song. The song has a bit of everything from an addictive beat smash-up chorus. It is complete with a wide range of vocal styles in an overall complete performance, once again showing the talent of these great idols.

5. SHINee – Hard

Another SM boy group comeback now and after celebrating their 15th anniversary. SHINee treated Shawols with their 8th album at the end of June. 

Appropriately titled “Hard,” the group adopts a throwback style with a sound similar to that found in a first-generation K-pop song. SHINee adds their own unique style through a modern twist. The song perfectly blends the current K-pop 5th generation style. Whilst paying homage to the 2000s.