[Today’s K-pop] The Boyz dip deeper into hip-hop with 3rd single

The Boyz exuded charisma at an online showcase held on Monday to introduce its third single “Maverick.”

It has been only three months since the release of its sixth EP “Thrill-ing,” but the members were full of confidence saying that the new single will show off the band even clearer.

“We wanted to showcase more diverse sides of ourselves as fast as possible,” said Eric, adding with a laugh that there were no difficulties preparing for the return except for the “slightly demanding” choreography.

Title track “Maverick” is a hip-hop tune with a catchy rhythm and powerful vocals through which they declare that they are not afraid to show themselves as they are.

“Our confidence is entrenched in the performance,” said Sunwoo, underlining that the group is capable of pushing themselves beyond its limit.

2AM returns full of gratitude after 7 years

Veteran ballad group 2AM stepped back into the entertainment scene with the release of an EP Monday after a seven-year hiatus.

The four bandmates talked about the five-track EP, named “Ballad 21 F/W,” which includes songs from star producers Park Jinyoung and Bang Sihyuk.

“I am one of the fans of 2AM who is eagerly waiting for the moment [for us] to return to the stage,” said Changmin, adding that the EP is a collection of heartwarming songs.

“It contains nostalgia for the music from the time when the term ballad idol was coined, as well as the sensibilities that are unique to 2AM,” explained Jo Kwon. They have earnestly put for their efforts in order to make music that reflects how much they have matured and improved since then, he emphasized.

The quartet spoke of their gratitude to the two big-name producers for participating in the album.

“Both of them were very much devoted and passionate, from giving us songs and to directing and mastering them. It reminded me of how I felt back then,” said Seulong.

ITZY to officially debut in Japan next month

ITZY will enter Japan in earnest with a best-of album next month, according to label JYP Entertainment on Monday.

The band will release “IT’z ITZY,” which will contain Japanese version of its hit songs -- including “Dalla Dalla,” “ICY,” “Wannabe,” “Not Shy,” and the most recent release “Loco” -- on Dec. 22 through Warner Music Japan.

Along with the announcement, the firm unveiled “Wannabe” in Japanese as well as the accompanying music video. “Wannabe” is the title track from its second EP from March 2020.

The quintet signaled its official debut in Japan with a digital album ‘What’z ITZY” in September.

Its first studio album “Crazy In Love” from September topped iTunes Japan’s pop chart and K-pop albums chart and a score of major albums charts. The LP ranked No. 11 on Billboard 200.

ITZY will host an online showcase to meet fans in Japan on Dec. 18.

BTOB’s Lee Minhyuk to drop solo digital single 

Lee Minhyuk of BTOB will release a solo digital single dubbed “Good Night” on Nov. 5, announced agency Cube Entertainment on Monday.

The company shared the news with the single artwork of a night view softly lit by a crescent, which the musician previously revealed during a variety show appearance in September.

He released his first solo album “Huta Zone” in January 2019. He demonstrated his abilities as a songwriter and producer as well, writing and producing all 11 tracks on the LP. His first solo gig was a self-written song “Purple Rain” from 2017, which was part of the band’s solo single project “Piece of BTOB.”

Meanwhile, Lee was chosen as the DJ for a nightly radio show, starting on Monday. Bandmate Seo Eunkwang lended his support by appearing as the guest in the first episode.

By Hwang You-mee
(glamazon@heraldcorp.com)