This month delivered thrilling K-pop comebacks, mixing summer anthems with long-awaited returns.
September 2024 was a vibrant month for K-pop, filled with diverse comebacks that perfectly bridged the transition from summer to fall. The month delivered a mix of energetic anthems, ideal for those last summer moments, alongside more introspective tracks that signaled a shift toward the cooler months. Fans were thrilled as several beloved artists made their highly anticipated returns after lengthy hiatuses, bringing fresh music that reflected their artistic growth and personal journeys. The releases showcased a balance between upbeat, festival-ready songs and sultry, emotional tracks, highlighting the versatility of K-pop. With a blend of powerful comebacks, debuting artists, and innovative musical experiments, September 2024 offered something for everyone and left fans eager for what the rest of the year has in store.
Here are my top 10 favorite new releases for September 2024. If you don’t have time to read them all, scroll to the end to see my top 3 recommendations.
DAY6 - 녹아내려요 (Melt Down)
DAY6 made a powerful comeback with "녹아내려요 (Melt Down)" on September 2, breaking the record for the longest time without a music show win. Their persistence paid off, achieving a Real-Time All-Kill on four Korean platforms and entering Melon #1 for the first time in 9 years.
Onew (SHINee) - beat drum
SHINee's ONEW released his third mini album with the title track "Beat Drum" on September 3 under his new agency. This album marks his return after a 1.5-year health hiatus, showing his resilience and new artistic direction.
BAEKHYUN (EXO) - Pineapple Slice
EXO's Baekhyun returned with his highly anticipated fourth mini album, 'Hello, World,' featuring the catchy title track "Pineapple Slice." This marks his first release in 3.5 years and his debut under his self-owned agency INB100, highlighting his fresh start.
HWASA - NA
HWASA made her sultry return on September 19 with her second mini album 'O,' led by the steamy title track "NA." Her bold musical choices continue to showcase her individuality and charisma in the K-pop scene.
JINHO (PENTAGON) - Teddy Bear
PENTAGON's JINHO made his solo debut on September 19 with the mini album [CHO:RD] and the heartfelt title track "Teddy Bear." The release allows him to showcase his unique vocal color and musical identity outside of the group.
P1HARMONY - Sad Song
P1Harmony returned with their 7th mini album, 'SAD SONG,' after a whirlwind spring and summer with their Utopia world tour and festival performances across the globe. The album includes their first-ever unit track, "WASP," featuring JONGSEOB and INTAK, adding a new dynamic to their sound.
KEY (SHINEE) - PLEASURE SHOP
SHINee's Key dropped his third mini album 'Pleasure Shop' with the title track of the same name, offering songs in both English and Korean. This release continues to demonstrate Key's versatility and global appeal.
ONLEE - BACK HUG
ONLEE made his return on September 24 with his second mini album, 'Turn ON,' signifying a fresh start in his solo music journey. The album marks a confident step forward as he "turns on" his solo activities.
Dragon Pony - POP UP
Dragon Pony debuted on September 26 with the mini album 'POP UP,' becoming the first boy band under Antenna. Each member plays an instrument, making them stand out with their live band sound and energetic performance.
VANNER - AUTOMATIC
VANNER returned on September 30 with their third mini album 'BURN,' featuring the title track "Automatic." The album also includes "Blooming," a b-side track gifted by HIGHLIGHT's Lee Gikwang, adding a special touch to the release.
Be sure you listen to Baekhyun's "Pineapple Slice," Hwasa's“NA,” and VANNER's “Automatic.”
I hope to “see” you next month for my October roundup of favorites.
Image and video credits: Artists' respective agencies