ENHYPEN’S FIRST REPACKAGEA CERTIFIED BOP SEVENTEEN’S WOOZI’S FIRST MIXTAPEA ROCK ANTHEM NCT 127’S WELL DESERVED FIRST DAESANG EXO’S CHEN’S SECOND CHILD IS BORN! BTS’S SELF MADE MERCH LINE KPOP MONTHLY Boy Group Edition FIRST EDITION!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4-5 ENHYPEN’s First Repackage: Dimension Answer 6 - Woozi’s First Mixtape “Ruby” 7 - Wanna One’s Reunion Single 8-9 - Month of Got7 Releases 10-11 - More Comeback and Debuts 12-13 - NCT 127’s First Daesang 14-15 - BTS Releases Self Designed Merch Line 2
16 - Chen’s Second Child is Born 17 - Taemin Switches to Public Service 18-19 - COVID-19 Updates 20 - Next Month’s Comebacks 21 - Credits KPOP MONTHLY BOY GROUP EDITION JANUARY (1ST EDITION) 3
ENHYPEN’S FIRST REPACKAGE
On January 10th, 2022 (6pm KST), Enhypen released their first ever full album repackage, “DimensionAnswer.”This comes just under 2 months after their first full album, “Dimension Dilemma.” The new repackage features two new songs: soft b-side “Polaroid Love” and the rebellious title track, “Blessed-Cursed.”The album debuted at #13 on Billboard 200.
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DIMENSION: ANSWER
Bside “Polaroid Love” became especially popular. On January 19th, ENHYPEN uploaded a self-cam video for the cute side track. The video currently has over 5 million views.
The music video for “Blessed-Cursed” follows the rebellious concept of the lyrics, contrasting from the album’s other title track, “Tamed-Dashed.” In 24 hours, it surpassed 5 million views and is currently sitting at over 20 million.
Go check the MV out today on HYBE’s YouTube Channel.
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WOOZI’S FIRST MIXTAPE “RUBY”
Seventeen’s Woozi’s long awaited solo mixtape “Ruby” was released on January 3rd.
WoozihasnotablyproducedmanySeventeen songsincludingtheirmostrecenttitletrack,“Rock
WithYou.”Becauseofhisstunningproduction ability,itwasagiventhatfanswereecstaticwhen theSeventeenmemberannouncedhisfirstsolo.
Inhisfirstmixtape,Wooziamazedfanswithrock anthem“Ruby.”ThesongisentirelyinEnglish andisabouttheassociationofredwithalover’s lipstick.Caratswereespeciallyblownawaywith theline“Shit,thisisredtoo.”
Following the release, Seventeen’s YouTube channel uploaded a performance video in which Woozi played guitar.
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WANNA ONE’S REUNION SINGLE
December31st,2021marked3yearssinceWannaOne’sofficialdisbandment. However2021didnotcometoaclosewithoutanyWannaOnecontent.WannaOne hadtheirfirstreunionperformanceatthe2021MnetAsianMusicAwardswhere theyperformedtheirsignaturehits,“Energetic”and“BurnItUp.”Duringtheir reunionstage,theyalsosurprisedfanswithunreleasedtrack,“Beautiful(PartIII).” Followingtheperformance,itwasannouncedthatthegroupwouldbereleasingthe songofficiallymakingitthefirstsongfromWannaOnesincetheirlastalbumin November2018,“111=1(PowerofDestiny).”
OnJanuary27th,WannaOnereturnedwiththe officialstudioversionof“Beautiful(PartIII).” WannaOne’sofficialYouTubechanneluploaded amusicvideoforthetrack.Thevideoincludes behindthescenesclipsfromtheir2021MAMA performanceandservesasasentimental reflectiononthetheirfirstreunion.
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O T 7
January 2022 marks Got7’s 8th Anniversary as well as one year since they left JYP Ent. However, this January 2022 also held many new songs from the members of Got7 as 4 of them had solo releases.
The first of the releases was Jackson Wang’s single “Jackson Wang” that was released on January 11th. The song reflects on Jackson’s growth and the path he is headed on next. This concept is emphasized through the animated music video in which Jackson is walking down a street.
R E L E A S E S
On January 18th, BamBam released his second mini album, “B.” Tracks include title track “Slow-Mo, “Who Are You” with Red Velvet’s Seulgi that was released in December of last year and “Subliminal” which has a special video that was released on January 21st.
Music video for the title track “Slow-Mo” is soft and fantastical. The video is currently at more than 40 million views. Go check it out today on BamBam’s official YouTube channel!
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Check out the video now on Jackson’s official YouTube channel!
The third Got7 solo release of the month was by eldest member Mark Tuan. Mark released a new single titled “My Life” which showcases his vocal skills as he reflects on his life. The song and music video were released on January 21st. The new music video currently has 3 million views on YouTube.
Go check out the music video now on Mark’s official YouTube channel!
Finally, leader Jay B released his first mini album under his producer name “Def” on January 26th. The album is titled “Love.” and features 6 tracks including various collaborations such as b-sides “Like A Fool” with Junny and “Again” with Leon.
The title track, “Sunset With You” is a romantic R&B song about watching the sunset. The song’s aesthetic music video was released on Jay B’s official YouTube channel
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P1Harmony returned on January 3rd with “Do It Like This” from their third mini album “DISHARMONY: FIND OUT.”
OMEGA X came back with their second mini album, “Love Me Like” with a title track of the same name on January 5th.
MORE COMEBACKS & DEBUTS
Pentagon had their long awaited comeback on January 24th with the song “Feelin Like” from their new album “IN:VITE U”
On January 31st, ATEEZ released their first Universe platform single, “Don’t Stop.”
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UP10TION Crazy About You Jan 3 Jan 4 ONEWE Universe Jan 5 TRENDZ TNT (Truth&Trust) Jan 10 KIM YOHAN Dessert MIRAE Marvelous Jan 12 MAX CHANGMIN Devil Jan 13 Jan 14 OnlyOneOf skinz Jan 17 Drippin Villain Jan 17 ASTRO’s JinJin & Rocky Just Breath AB6IX 1, 2, 3 VICTON Chronograph Jan 17 Jan 20 LUMINOUS All Eyes Down Jan 18 Jan 25 KYUHYUN Love Story Jan 3 BLITZERS Bobbin 11
NCT127 debuted in 2016 with their song “FireTruck.” Since then, the group has added three members and have gained global popularity. Over the past year, they released full album, “Sticker” which reached over 1 million sales. Following this, they released repackage, “Favorite.” Despite their achievements, NCT127 had yet to win a grand prize–in proper terminology–a Daesang.That all changed on January 23rd.
NCT 127’S FIRST
At the Seoul Music Awards, NCT 127 snagged the biggest award of the night, the Daesang.
Upon the announcement of the winner, the members were visibly shocked and Doyoung especially was overwhelmed with emotions.
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LeaderTaeyong started off the acceptance speech by introducing the group.
FollowingTaeyong’s thanks, Doyoung expressed his gratitude. Lastly, Johnny took the mic and said “Mama, we made it!” which earned a laugh from the members. He ended with thanking all the members parents and their fans, Nctzens, in English.
DAESANG
For all their hard work, this is a well deserved achievement for NCT 127. Hopefully, they will receive many more Daesangs in the future!
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BTS RELEASES SELF DESIGNED Over the month of January, each member of BTS released self designed merchandise that was available to purchase via HYBE’s “Weverse Shop.” This series of merch was part of a special project that took place over a year.The first batch of merch sold out in record time. The self designed merch includes: Jin’s “Good Day” and “Bad Day” pajamas (left) and pillows (right). $64.10 USD each RM’s “ARMY Jogger Pants” (left) and “Bungeo-ppang Wind Chime” (right) $82.68 USD each Suga’s “Black Note and Cover Set” (left) and “Guitar Pick Necklace” (right). $64.10 USD $82.68 USD each 14
MERCH LINE J-Hope’s “Hope Pot Set” (left) and “Side by Side Mini Bag” $54.81 USD $91.97 USD Jimin’s “Red Carving Earring” (left) and “With You Hoody” (right). $153.28 USD Brooch Sets (right). Jungkook’s “Mikrokosmos Mood Lamp” (left) and “ARMYST Zip-Up Hoody” in various colours (right). $143.99 USD $125.41 USD 15
EXO’S CHEN’S SECOND CHILD IS BORN
In early 2020, Chen announced his marriage and his wife’s pregnancy. InApril 2020, their first child was born. Chen then enlisted in the military in October of 2020. In November of 2021, it was announced that Chen and his wife were expecting their second child.
On January 19th, 2022, it was reported that Chen’s second child was born! Fans were quick to send out their congratulations viaTwitter and other social media sites.
Chen is set to return from the military in April of 2022, making him the fourth EXO member to complete mandatory military service.
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Congratulations to Chen and his wife!
TAEMIN SWITCHES TO PUBLIC SERVICE
On January 14th, SM Entertainment announced that SHINee’s Taemin would be switching from Military Service
military in May of 2021, making him the last member of SHINee to enlist.
Taemin has been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety from before enlistment which have since worsened. Because of this, he will be finishing his military service in supplementary public service.
We send our love and support to Taemin and wish him the best in public service!
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COVID-19 UPDATES
Jimin of BTS tested positive for COVID-19. He also underwent surgery for acute appendicitis and is currently recovering.
Eric, Ju Haknyeon, Hyunjae, Sangyeon and Younghoon of The Boyz tested positive for Covid-19
Jay, Song, DK and Chan of iKON tested positive for COVID-19.
Yoshi, Hyunsuk, Junkyu and Mashiho of TREASURE tested positive for COVID-19
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Jaehan, Hangyeom, Jehyun and Junghoon of OMEGA X tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered.
Lee Hyeop and Cha Junho of Drippin have tested positive for COVID-19.
Hoony of Winner has tested positive for COVID-19.
We wish all those who have contracted COVID-19 a speedy recovery! 19
Eunhyuk of Super Junior has tested positive for COVID-19.
Next Month’s Comebacks F E B 4 NCT’s Mark: SMTOWN Single BTS: WEBTOON OST DAY6’s Wonpil: Solo Debut FEB 7 FEB 8 VIXX’s Ravi: Second Full Album FEB 9 Ha Sungwoon: Special Album FEB 15 TREASURE: First Mini Album FEB 16 Wonho: First Single Album FEB 21 TEMPEST: Debut FEB 22 CRAVITY: First Album Part 2 More comebacks to be announced soon. 20
MONTHLY Boy Group EditionJANUARY
Editor: Brooklynn D’Mello,
Design: Brooklynn D’Mello First edition February 8th, 2022 For more K-Pop News, keep an eye out for the future editions of KPOP MONTHLY.
KPOP
Writer: Brooklynn D’Mello
Andrea D’Mello
