IN THE LOOP: BTS J-Hope ‘Arson,’ Kim Garam Leaves LE SSERAFIM, More of This Week's Hottest in K-Pop

By Robyn Joan Jul 20, 2022

We are now in the third week of July 2022, which means several new songs have been released in the past week. With tons of new songs and news released daily, it can be challenging to keep up to date with our favorite K-pop artists. So with that, here is a rundown of some K-pop songs and trending news released from July 14 to July 20.

Comebacks and Debuts

ITZY - 'SNEAKERS'

On July 15, ITZY made their comeback with the release of their fifth mini album "CHECKMATE." The album features the lead single "SNEAKERS."

BTS J-Hope - 'Arson'

BTS' rapper J-Hope finally returned as a solo artist by dropping his first studio album "Jack In The Box." The album includes his pre-release single "MORE," as well as his second title track "Arson."

TWICE - 'Celebrate' (Japan)

On July 15, TWICE made their Japanese comeback with their fourth Japanese studio album "Celebrate." The album has yet to be released, but the group dropped their pre-release single of the same name.

SEVENTEEN - 'WORLD'

SEVENTEEN released the repackage of their fourth studio album "Face the Sun" with "Sector 17" on July 18. The new album includes their lead single "WORLD."

Hyolyn - 'No Thanks'

Former SISTAR member Hyolyn finally made her comeback with her new song "NO THANKS" as part of her third mini album "iCE." This marks her first release following her appearance on "Queendom 2."

BoA and XIN - 'Better'

On July 18, BoA collaborated with former THE9 member and "Youth With You 2" contestant XIN (also known as Liu Yuxin) to release the Chinese version of her 2020 song "Better."

STAYC - 'Beautiful Monster'

Rising rookie group STAYC returned on July 19 with their third single album "We Need Love," featuring the lead single "Beautiful Monster."

ZICO - 'Seoul Drift'

Zico dropped his new single entitled "Seoul Drift" on the same day.

NCT U - 'Rainy Day'

As part of SM Station's new project NCT Lab, NCT U released the single "Rainy Day."

ILY:1 - 'Que Sera Sera'

Rookie six-member girl group ILY:1 made their comeback with their second single album "Que Sera Sera" featuring a lead single of the same name.

HyunA - 'Nabillera'

HyunA made her highly-awaited comeback with her new track "Nabillera" as part of her eighth mini album of the same name.

Xdinary Heroes - 'Test Me'

JYP Entertainment's boy group Xdinary Heroes returned with their first mini album "Hello, World!" and its single "Test Me" on July 20.

P1Harmony - 'Doom Du Doom'

On July 20, P1Harmony dropped their fourth mini album "HARMONY: ZERO IN," led by the single "Doom Du Doom."

Trending News

BTS J-Hope Hosts Star-Studded 'Jack In The Box' Party

(Photo : Instagram: @uarmyhope)
BTS J-Hope

Prior to dropping his new album "Jack In The Box," J-Hope hosted a pre-listening party. The exciting party was attended by numerous big name artists and actors in the industry, including his fellow BTS members, BIGBANG Taeyang, Jessi, Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Sik, and more.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Celebrities at BTS J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' Pre-Listening Party: BIGBANG Taeyang, Jessi, More!

BLACKPINK Jennie Accused of Cultural Appropriation

(Photo : Instagram: @jennierubyjane)
BLACKPINK Jennie

Following the release of trailers for HBO's upcoming series "The Idol," which features Jennie in the cast, the BLACKPINK member became entangled in a cultural appropriation controversy due to a hairstyle she was seen donning in the show.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BLACKPINK Jennie Accused of Cultural Appropriation in Latest HBO's 'The Idol' Trailer

Kim Garam Leaves LE SSERAFIM

(Photo : Twitter: @IM_LESSERAFIM)
Former LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam

On July 20, HYBE and Source Music announced the termination of Kim Garam's exclusive contract, thus ending her promotions with LE SSERAFIM. This decision came after the rookie idol became embroiled in a bullying scandal, even before her debut.