From highly anticipated debuts and long-awaited returns, October was a can't miss month for great new music.
October treated K-Pop fans to an exciting array of new releases, featuring both highly anticipated debuts and long-awaited comebacks that had fans buzzing with excitement. The month was a captivating journey, offering tracks with addicting beats that had listeners grooving along. Moreover, sultry music videos added an extra layer of allure to the musical experience, while a handful of feel-good songs provided the perfect soundtrack for the autumn season, making it a diverse and captivating month for listeners.
Here are my top 10 favorite new releases of the month for October 2023. If you don’t have time to read it all, scroll to the end to see what my top 3 recommendations are.
ONF - Love Effect
ONF made a triumphant comeback on October 4 with their much-anticipated first album following their military enlistment, featuring the mesmerizing title track "Love Effect."
JUST B - MEDUSA
After a thrilling summer filled with three electrifying appearances at KCON events around the world, JUST B made a dynamic return on October 9 with the title track, "MEDUSA," marking the launch of their highly-anticipated 4th mini album.
Behind the Music with JUST B: An Epic Journey (Part 1)
BOBBY (iKON) - f
Following the resounding success of iKON's world tour, Bobby launched his inaugural solo album under 143 Entertainment, featuring the title track "f," notable for its unapologetic and explicit lyrics.
82MAJOR - First Class
After months of fervent online anticipation from their fans, 82MAJOR finally made their debut on October 11th with the title track, "FIRST CLASS."
TXT - Chasing That Feeling
Despite a jam-packed summer, TXT made their highly-anticipated comeback on October 13 with the release of their third studio album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, featuring the title track, "Chasing That Feeling."
E'LAST - Kiss me baby
E'LAST made an electrifying return on October 17th with their catchy title track, "Kiss me baby," from their fourth mini album iDENTIFICATION. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with the group, coming soon!
SEVENTEEN - God of music
SEVENTEEN is on a roll in 2023, and they've done it again on October 23 with their eleventh mini-album, SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, featuring the title track "God of music."
GHOST9 - RUCKUS
After almost 1.5 years since their last album and a remarkable journey on JTBC's Peaktime, GHOST9 made a triumphant return on October 25 with their seventh-mini album, featuring the incredible title track, "RUCKUS."
TAEMIN (SHINee) - Guilty
The idol's idol has made his grand return! Fresh from military discharge earlier this year and a summer filled with successful performances, Taemin came back on October 30 with his fourth mini album, GUILTY.
Moon Jong Up - X.O.X
Moon Jong Up made a captivating comeback with his second mini-album SOME on October 30, featuring the sultry title track "X.O.X." He continues to enchant fans, just as he did when he captured millions of hearts during his appearance on JTBC's Peaktime earlier this year. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with this talented idol, coming soon!
Be sure you listen to GHOST9's “RUCKUS,” JUST B's “MEDUSA,” and MOON JONG UP's “X.O.X.”
I hope to “see” you next month for my November roundup of favorites.