[Today’s K-pop] Twice tops Japan charts with prerelease

Twice landed at the top of real-time charts in Japan with its new song “Perfect World,” which was released Wednesday in advance of the release of the same-titled album.
 
The song shot to No. 1 on real-time charts including that of Line Music. The main track, along with the music video, was unveiled before the group’s third full Japanese album set to come out on July 28.
 
In the music video, the bandmates appear charismatic and alluring, depicting the image of strong women who are undeterred by any situation.
 
The nine-piece group has been demonstrating its global presence with 10th EP “Taste of Love.” The EP hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart last week, making Twice the second K-pop female act to place a song among the top 10 following Blackpink, and it has remained on the chart for a second week. The EP topped Billboard’s top album sales, top current album sales and world album charts while lead track “Alcohol-Free” ranked No. 3 on its world digital song sales chart.

Omega X eyes rookie award 

Boy band Omega X held a media showcase Wednesday to announce the release of its debut EP “Vamos.”
 
All 11 bandmates are former members of other bands, and some appeared in K-pop TV competitions, making the debut all the more emotional.
 
“This has been the moment all of us have been awaiting with such eagerness,” said Yechan.
 
“As this is the second debut for us all, pressure was unavoidable,” admitted Hyuk.
 
“To overcome the tension, we had many talks and practiced endlessly,” he added. “We don’t see a reason to go on stage if we haven’t improved ourselves from before.”
 
The EP consists of five tracks, including the titular focus track. “Vamos” in Spanish means “we go,” signaling the beginning of the band and symbolizing the way they are headed, explained Hwichan.
 
Since it is just the beginning, they would rather focus on showing how they build on their careers, Junghoon said, before adding that he, however, would dare say that he has an eye on a rookie award.

NCT 127 to host online fan meet 

NCT 127 will meet fans online to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the group’s debut on July 7, said label SM Entertainment.
 
The nine-member subunit of NCT will take to Naver’s V Live and host “Beyond Live - NCT 127 Online Fanmeeting ‘Office: Foundation Day,’” on the anniversary. It will be broadcast live around the world for fans who have purchased tickets.
 
The band will put on hit songs, play games and have a talk looking back at their five-year career.
 
NCT 127 debuted in 2016 and its second full album “NCT #127 Neo Zone,” its first million-seller, ranked No. 5 on Billboard 200 last year, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. Second Japanese EP “Loveholic” landed at the top of Oricon’s daily, weekly and monthly album charts in February.
 
In May, the band performed at Global Citizen Festival’s digital concert “VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World,” along with Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez. 

NU’EST’s Aron resumes activities 

Aron of NU’EST confirmed Tuesday that he is restarting activities as of last week.
 
During a livestream, he told fans that his health has improved a lot, and after discussing the matter with the management company and his bandmates, he has decided to rejoin the team.
 
“I really wanted to tell the news to Love,” he said, addressing the official fandom community of the band, also apologizing for the wait and thanking them for the support.
 
“I’m so much better that you don’t have to worry anymore,” he assured fans, adding that he is back in full force and will participate in all activities including stage performances.
 
The oldest of the five-piece act has suspended activities since January due to anxiety issues. In April, he took to the stage for a showcase for the release of the band’s second studio album and said that he will only take a partial role moving forward, lest it affect his health.

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