[Today’s K-pop] NCT’s Taeyong to drop 2nd solo album next month

Taeyong of NCT is gearing up to return again as a solo musician, according to SM Entertainment on Thursday.

He will bring out his second solo album on Feb. 26, approximately eight months since his first EP, “Shalala.” He was the first of the boy band to drop a solo album -- seven years after the group's debut.

The previous EP topped iTunes top albums chart in 31 regions, as did the title track on top songs charts for 14 regions. The musician participated in writing the words and melodies for all seven tracks. The EP sold over 500,000 copies.

Before the release of the second EP, Taeyong will hold his first solo concerts in Seoul on two nights.

Meanwhile, he will perform in Bangkok this weekend as a member of subunit NCT 127 for its third international tour.

IU sweeps charts at home and abroad

IU’s new single debuted atop Melon, the largest music chart in Korea.

“Love Wins All” claimed the top spot, a first for a K-pop female singer since it reshuffled the tally in 2021, upon its release Wednesday.

The ballad is dominating major charts at home and topped iTunes top songs chart in 23 regions as well, agency Edam Entertainment said Thursday.

It is IU’s first new song in more than two years, and is a prerelease from her soon-to-be-released EP. The music video, featuring V of BTS, has already amassed over 17 million views on YouTube.

On March 2 in Seoul, IU will launch the “H.E.R.” tour, taking her to 18 cities across the world through August.

SHINee’s 1st Japan exclusive to air

An exclusive show on SHINee is coming to small screens in Japan, according to SM Entertainment on Thursday.

“SHINee’s Box” is a two-part program of the veteran idol band and will broadcast on TV Asahi this Saturday and on March 2. The band will put on performances, talk and play games for its first standalone show in the country.

Separately, SHINee will perform at Tokyo Dome on Feb. 24 and 25 for the concert named “SHINee World VI Perfect Illumination – Japan Final Live in Tokyo Dome.” It will be a return to the venue for the band for the first time in about six years.

The four-member act toured Japan from September to November last year and held eight concerts, drawing around 80,000 concertgoers in total.

NiziU to sing for Universal Studios Japan again

NiziU was chosen to sing the theme song for Universal Studios Japan for its campaign beginning next month, JYP Entertainment said Thursday.

“Memories” will be used for TV commercials for the theme park as well.

The nine-member act collaborated with Universal Studios Japan for its special program last year to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The group also will participate on the original soundtrack for “Ellie Is Lovesick,” a highly anticipated movie adaptation of a Japanese manga that comes to cinema in March. The group sings the main track, “Sweet Nonfiction.”