We're only three days into the new year but a lot has happened already.
While we're all still recovering from the holiday high and getting ready to head back to work and school, some of our favourite artists have already kick-started 2023 with new releases, comeback announcements, and more. From Jackson Wang's newest single to GOT the beat's highly anticipated comeback to BLACKPINK's Jisoo's solo debut announcement, the new year is already off to quite an exciting start.
Here's a roundup of all the releases, comeback announcements, and more you might have missed in the first days of 2023.
JACKSON WANG RELEASES 'WHY WHY WHY', COLLABORATES WITH BOYTOY AND TABLO
Jackson Wang just closed the 2022 leg of his MAGIC MAN tour, but that doesn't mean he's anywhere near done with his plans. With so many projects set for the new year, the 'Champagne Cool' act welcomed 2023 with the release of his latest single 'Why Why Why' on 31 December 2022, followed by its music video on 2 January 2023.
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Jackson also unveiled a collaborative track with TEAM WANG act and producer BOYTOY and Tablo of Epik High, titled BOYTOY. The single will be available on streaming platforms on 6 January 2023.
Jackson, whose 2022 was largely defined by the release of his highly anticipated album MAGIC MAN—which Bandwagon included in their Top Albums/EPs of 2022, will be continuing his world tour throughout the year, with stops in London, Paris, and Dubai.
BLACKPINK'S JISOO CONFIRMS SOLO DEBUT
After much anticipation, Jisoo will finally be releasing her solo music this year. In a statement, YG Entertainment confirmed that the BLACKPINK member is currently in the midst of preparing for her solo debut.
"BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is currently working hard on recording her solo album. While carrying out a busy world tour schedule since last year, she finished the album jacket photo shoot and worked on music production whenever she got the time in order to keep the promise with fans. She will greet [fans] soon with good news," said the label in their statement.
Jisoo will be the latest BLACKPINK member to release solo music, following LISA, ROSÉ, and Jennie. As a whole, the group are currently embarking on their highly anticipated BORN PINK world tour, which will continue this year with stops around Asia.
NEWJEANS RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'OMG'
NewJeans are back!
Fresh from the release of 'Ditto', the K-pop girl group have returned with 'OMG' off of their single album of the same name. The R&B track dropped alongside a playful music video that features cameos from actor Kim Joo Heon and comedian Lee Mal Nyeon.
'OMG' follows the release of NewJeans' self-titled debut EP last July, which has since topped charts all over the world.
G-DRAGON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM
G-Dragon is back!
In a surprise video posted on the first day of the new year, the K-pop King revealed that he is currently gearing up for his much-anticipated comeback this 2023. While details of the new record are still under wraps, G-Dragon shared that he has a lot of plans and activities slated for this year.
"I haven’t had much chance to speak with you all other than social media. I want to take this opportunity to share that I will work hard in 2023. I’ll be returning with different kinds of activities in the new year. I’m working on a new album. I’ll be back in the new year with good news," said the BIGBANG member.
This will come as the multi-hyphenate's first major release since his 2017 EP, Kwon Ji Yong. As a group, BIGBANG released their well-loved single 'Still Life' last year.
IKON SIGN WITH 143 ENTERTAINMENT
iKON have found a new home!
Following their departure from YG Entertainment, the group revealed that they have signed with 143 Entertainment which is currently home to LIMELIGHT and Kep1er members Mashiro and Yeseo.
“The members came together with the continuation of group activities as the top priority, and our thoughts aligned with 143 Entertainment, the company of Producer DM who we have interacted with musically for a long time. We will continue iKON’s music more passionately to repay the warm support and love you have given us until now," iKON shared in a joint statement on 1 January 2023.
— GTMNY x 143 (@GTMNY143) January 1, 2023
YUGYEOM RELEASES NEW SINGLE 'PONYTAIL'
YUGYEOM is starting the year off right.
On 2 January, the GOT7 member released his single 'Ponytail', which features fellow Korean rapper Sik-K, via AOMG. The track follows his single album Take You Down which dropped last March.
YUGYEOM will be joining AOMG labelmates Simon Dominic, GRAY, Loco, LeeHi, and Woo on the label's FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT tour, which kicks off this January with stops in Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, and more.
GOT The Beat debut new single 'Stamp On It', announce comeback
Much like last year, GOT the beat are kicking 2023 off with a bang.
On 1 January, the SM Entertainment supergroup unveiled their long-awaited single 'Stamp On It' at the SMTOWN Live: 2023 SMCU PALACE @ KWANGYA online concert. The track will officially be released alongside their first-ever mini-album, Stamp On It on 16 January 2023.
YG Entertainment teases new girl group, BABYMONSTER
YG Entertainment are starting 2023 in the biggest way they know how: debuting a new group.
Before 2022 came to a close, the Korean label teased their newest girl group, BABYMONSTER. The seven-membered act, who have already earned praises from their YG Entertainment labelmates, are set to debut later this year, with official dates set to be revealed soon.
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