NewJeans, LUN8 and more K-pop rookies preparing Japanese invasion

K-pop

Published: 13 May. 2024, 15:18 Updated: 13 May. 2024, 16:34

NewJeans, LUN8 and more K-pop rookies preparing Japanese invasion

Boy band LUN8 [FANTAGIO]

Several K-pop rookies are gearing up to debut in Japan, including boy bands LUN8, Trendz, xikers and girl group NewJeans.

Boy band LUN8 will embark on its Japanese music journey on June 19 with its first Japanese single, “Evergreen,” its agency Fantagio said.

“Evergreen” will consist of five tracks, including its title track, “Evergreen” and B-side tracks “My Tune” and “Louder,” as well as Japanese versions of its previously released songs “Wild Heart” (2023) and “Pastel.”

The title track will be in collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Hiromi, who has worked with girl groups Le Sserafim and IVE, and music composer T-SK, who worked on boy band TWS’ debut song “Plot Twist,” according to Fantagio.

“Evergreen” was also chosen as the July opening theme song for Japanese NTV’s music show "Buzz Rhythm02," which has aired since 2015.

B-side track “My Tune” will be produced by Japanese producer Daisuke"D.I"Imai, who collaborated with boy band TVXQ, singer BoA, Japanese boy band Exile and Japanese duo Chemistry.

Boy band Trendz [GLOBAL H MEDIA]

Boy band Trendz, under agency Global H Media, revealed their official Japanese debut date to be July 31 last Friday during the K-culture festival KCON Japan 2024, which was held from May 10 to May 12.

Trendz recently signed contracts with Japanese record label Avex Trax under Japanese entertainment company Avex for its Japanese activities early last month, signaling its Japanese debut.

Further information about the band's Japanese debut has yet to be disclosed.

Another boy band, xikers, is set to enter the Japanese music scene with its first Japanese single, “Tsuki (Lunatic),” on Aug. 7, its agency KQ Entertainment said Saturday.

Brand new tracks will be included in the Japanese single, xikers’ agency added.

Girl group NewJeans is also set to drop its first Japanese debut single, “Supernatural,” on June 21 with four tracks, including its title track “Supernatural,” B-side track “Right Now,” and the instrumental tracks for each song.

The girl group’s first Japanese single will also incorporate a part of popstar and producer Pharrell Williams’ “Back of My Mind,” which Producer 250 sampled and reinterpreted as new jack swing, according to its agency ADOR.

To find out more about K-pop rookies, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]