Joy’s solo debut (From JOY, with Love) and Vince x G-DRAGON’s CHA CHA CHA lead August 18’s stacked lineup. CORTIS’ debut (What You Want) and Kep1er’s BUBBLE GUM offer contrasting energy for new-gen fans. Moonbyul’s introspective laundri and Stray Kids’ lore-heavy KARMA cap off the week with artistic depth.
The K-pop scene is gearing up for an explosive week of releases from August 18-24, 2025, showcasing the industry's remarkable versatility through highly anticipated solo debuts, powerhouse collaborations, and ambitious group projects. This seven-day stretch offers something for every type of K-pop fan, whether you're drawn to Red Velvet's Joy stepping into her own as a solo artist with her first official mini-album, Vince teaming up with legendary BIGBANG member G-DRAGON for a sizzling Latin-infused track, or Stray Kids making their grand 2025 return with a futuristic, lore-heavy concept.
Source: Kep1er's Official X & STRRAY KIDS's Official X
The week also sees the debut of BigHit Music's new boy group CORTIS, Kep1er's bright summer comeback after a nine-month hiatus, and MAMAMOO's Moonbyul delivering her signature introspective lyricism through an emotionally charged mini-album. Here’s what to expect from each release:
JOY (Red Velvet) – The 1st Mini Album [From JOY, with Love]
Release Date: August 18 (6 PM KST)
Title Track: "Love Splash!"
Album: 1st Mini Album From JOY, with Love
Red Velvet’s Joy marks her official solo debut with this 6-track EP, distinct from her 2021 special album Hello. SM Entertainment emphasizes this project as a showcase of her "unique vibe", blending her signature warmth with fresh musicality. The lead single Love Splash! promises a playful yet sophisticated energy, aligning with Joy’s reputation for balancing charm and depth.
Why It Matters:
- Her first formal mini-album, cementing her solo identity post-Red Velvet.
- Follows Wendy’s solo work, continuing SM’s emphasis on member individuality.
- Quote: “Joy will sing these songs with her unique vibe.” — SM Entertainment
Vince – ‘CHA CHA CHA (feat. G-DRAGON)’
Release Date: August 18 (6 PM KST)
Title Track: CHA CHA CHA (feat. G-DRAGON)
THEBLACKLABEL’s Vince enlists G-DRAGON for this Latin-tinged hip-hop track, merging Vince’s velvety R&B vocals with GD’s razor-sharp rap. The song’s cha-cha rhythm and summer-ready energy position it as a potential chart-topper, while GD’s involvement guarantees cross-generational appeal.
Why It Matters:
- G-DRAGON’s first feature of 2025, following his military discharge.
- Vince’s Netflix fame (D.P. OST) could attract non-K-pop audiences.
- Industry Buzz: Collabs like this historically spike streaming numbers by 200%+ (per Gaon Chart).
CORTIS – Debut Single ‘What You Want’
Release Date: August 18 (6 PM KST)
Title Track: What You Want
Album: COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES (EP out September 8)
BigHit’s newest boy group (5 members: Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, Keonho) debuts with this hip-hop/pop hybrid, preceded by the intro track GO! on August 11. The August 22 English version featuring Teezo Touchdown signals global ambitions.
Why It Matters:
- First BigHit boy group since TXT (2019).
- Concept: “Breaking boundaries” with genre-fluid tracks.
- Quote: “GO! introduces CORTIS’ fearless energy.” — Soompi
Kep1er – 7th Mini Album BUBBLE GUM
Release Date: August 19 (6 PM KST)
Title Track: BUBBLE GUM
After 9 months, Kep1er returns with a vibrant, bubblegum-pop concept, teased through candy-colored visuals. The schedule included character films and dual MV teasers, hinting at their most cohesive theme yet.
Why It Matters:
- Potential last comeback before rumored 2026 disbandment.
- Fan Service: Heavy focus on individual member concepts (e.g., Yujin’s “retro roller disco” teaser).
Moonbyul (MAMAMOO) – 4th Mini Album laundri
Release Date: August 20 (6 PM KST)
Title Track: Goodbyes and Sad Eyes
Moonbyul’s album title laundri (wordplay on “laundry”) reflects emotional catharsis, weaving June’s pre-release ICY BBY with melancholic new tracks. RBW calls it “a wash cycle for the soul.”
Why It Matters:
- Lyrical Depth: Moonbyul co-wrote all tracks, per RBW.
- Sound: Blends synth-pop with her signature rap-rock edge.
Stray Kids – 4th Full Album KARMA
Release Date: August 22 (1 PM KST)
The trailer’s 2081 dystopia and “Karma Sports” competition frame SKZ’s most ambitious lore yet. The album likely expands their self-produced, noise-music style with cinematic twists.
Why It Matters:
- Creative Control: 3RACHA (production unit) credited on all tracks.
- Global Reach: 2025 Billboard 200.
This week thrives on contrasts: Joy’s sweetness vs. Stray Kids’ grit, Vince’s swagger vs. Moonbyul’s introspection. Each release offers substantial artistry, whether you seek escapism (Kep1er), innovation (CORTIS), or legacy moments (G-DRAGON’s feature).
Which release will you stream first?
Source: kpopofficial.com, THE BLACK LABEL, JYP Entertainment, BigHit, RWB Entertainment, Kep1er's official X account
Who’s with me?
But SM did call Hello a ‘special album’ back then! Maybe this one focuses more on her personal color? Either way, I’m just happy Joy’s finally getting proper solo promos!
