IN THE LOOP: K-pop's Hottest News, Releases in The 4th Week of January – Wanna One's 'Beautiful,' APRIL's Disbandment, MORE!
Prior to welcoming the Lunar New Year on February 1, numerous K-pop groups and artists delivered both delighting and upsetting news in the fourth week of January 2022.
Here are New K-pop Releases, Hottest News That Filled The K-pop Scene With Significant Noise Before January Ended:
Comeback, Debut, Release
1. GOT7 Jay B - 'SUNSET WITH YOU'
On January 26, GOT7 Jay B, also known for his solo moniker Def., released his first mini-album "LOVE." On the same day, he released the music video for its title track, "SUNSET WITH YOU."
In the MV that amassed 518k views six days after its release, Def. enjoyed the sunset alone at the beach. Through his soloist alter, Jay B expressed his desire to show his casual yet cooler side as a musician, different from idol Jay B from GOT7.
2. Wanna One - 'Beautiful' (Part 3)
On January 27, Wanna One finally reunited as a 10-member group for the first time in three years since their disbandment in 2019.
The boy group simultaneously released their new digital single, "B-Side," and a music video for "Beautiful (Part 3)."
As soon as it was released, the track immediately climbed on top of the iTunes Top Song Chart in at least 14 countries including Japan, Australia, More. In Korea, the track also entered MelOn Top 100.
3. MAMADOL - 'WooAh Hip' [Debut]
On January 28, MAMADOL, a project girl group comprised of K-pop female icons Park Jung Ah (Jewelry), Sunye (Wonder Girls), Kahi (After School), Eunji (Baby V.O.X) Byul, and Jyuni officially debuted with their track, "WooAh Hip."
The project girl group was launched through, tvN's variety show," Mom is an Idol," which gives former female idols shine again on stage after giving birth and raising kids.
4. ATEEZ - 'Don't Stop'
On January 31, "4th-Gen Leader" ATEEZ dropped their Universe Music single, "Don't Stop." Immediately after its release, the track rose to #1 at the worldwide iTunes Song Chart. Due to this, they made a new record as the first and only fourth-gen group to reach this feat with two songs – including "Don't Stop" and "Fireworks."
News
5. APRIL Disbands After 6 Years
ALSO READ: April's Naeun Heartbreak: K-pop Idol Expresses Feelings About Group's Shocking Disbandment
On January 28, the announcement of April's disbandment saddened the K-pop industry. The six-member group, comprised of Chaekyung, Chaewon, Naeun, Yena, Rachel, and Jinsol, debuted in 2015 and was loved for their songs such as "Oh! My Mistake," "LALALILALA," "Feeling" and more.
However, following the bullying controversy which involved former member Hyunjoo, the group went into a hiatus after their special album, "Hello Summer" in 2020, and it became their last release as well.
6. 11th Gaon Chart Music Awards Announces Winners
RELATED ARTICLE: 11th Gaon Chart Music Awards Winners: BTS, IU, NCT Dream, More Bag Trophies
On January 27, the 11th Gaon Chart Music Awards took place at Jamsil Arena, joined by top K-pop stars and celebrities.
7. COVID-19 'Red Alert' in K-pop Industry
When K-pop fans thought that the music industry is getting back to normal due to offline schedules by idols, the industry raised a "red alert" warning following consecutive cases of idols testing positive for COVID-19.
As a result, offline music shows and concerts are being observed once again.
READ MORE: iKON, THE BOYZ, Kep1er, More: 24 K-pop Idols Diagnosed With COVID-19 in a Week — How Will It Affect the K-pop Industry?
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Written by Eunice Dawson
