From Le Sserafim’s ‘Fearless’, GOT7’s ‘NANANA’ to SEVENTEEN’s ‘HOT’ – Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases in May 2022

By Nandini Iyengar -

June 1, 2022 - 6:20 PM IST

The month of May was hot, in more ways than one. On one hand where the sun was unapologetic, on the other the Korean music industry was pulling all stops. One after the other insanely talented comebacks and new music releases graced the calendar. There were moments to breathe, but only some. From Le Sserafim's debut to iKON's comeback, let's take a look at this month's K-pop releases.

From Le Sserafim’s ‘Fearless’, GOT7’s ‘NANANA’ to SEVENTEEN’s ‘HOT’ – Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases in May 2022

1. LE SSERAFIM – FEARLESS

This girl group from HYBE was making waves even before their debut. The curiosity only grew with the teasers and group photos. The group's debut song is ‘Fearless’ and the music video reflects the noun. Catchy lyrics, stunning visuals and immaculate choreography present a mix promising good new music from the group. While the group has continued promotions as five member group with one member mired in controversy, the song has become a pretty viral moment of 2022.

2. iKON – BUT YOU

iKON released new music after a considerable gap, and did not disappoint. The boys took the retro path with their song 'But You'. The pop disco track is visually appealing with the group clad in glittery colourful clothes, and disco lights strobing around.

3. WOODZ - I HATE YOU

It's crazy, it's funky, and it’s completely WOODZ. ‘I Hate You’ is a modern rock number. The loud percussions and banging drums accompanying WOODZ equally loud vocals complete the package in a superb manner.

4. CIIPHER – FAME

Ciipher is a rookie group, but has shown great talent so far. They are just one music release old, and with this comeback they presented a better version. The song Fame is a banging hip hop number. The electronica and techno music matches to the ebb and flow of vocals throughout the song.

5. TOMORROW X TOGETHER – GOOD BOY GONE BAD

The quintet made a highly anticipated comeback with their latest mini-album minisode 2: Thursday's Child. The title track ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’ presents a mature version of the boys as they ease back into the punk and semi-rock genre. The EP’s lead single is an intuitive and impactful manifestation of anger and loss. It is a hardcore hip-hop song infused with rock that portrays heartbreak in its raw and dark form. Through the song, TXT tell it as it is in true Gen-Z fashion. The newly released music video pictures the members in states of heartbreak across various sets including dark alleyways, phone booths and bathrooms.

6. WOOSUNG – PHASE ME

WOOSUNG has shown a promising rise as a solo artist. With his new EP, he looks to cement his reputation as a versatile singer and he does so with a stunning music delivery. Phase Me is a decadent song made out of alt music and Woosung's breathy vocals. The gothic undertones in the song are a treat.

7. ONEUS – BRING IT ON

‘Bring It On’ by ONEUS is very, very different from their previous release and artfully so. The group uses trap and hip hop genre to make a wave with their artistry.

8. LIGHTSUM – ALIVE

CUBE Entertainment's girl group LIGHTSUM made a cute and vibrant comeback with their new music video ‘Alive’. The song is a fun pop number, and exudes a lovely imagery.

9. GOT7 - NANANA

GOT7's full group comeback was one of the highlights on May 2022 when it comes to K-pop. Their song ‘NANANA’ is a fun pop number with classic GOT7 artistry infused in it. The music video is ambient and fantastical to watch.

10. SEVENTEEN - HOT

SEVENTEEN takes to the West with HOT. The group has made a splash in the steaming hot May with an even hotter music release. HOT begins with the classic Texan guitar riff and progresses to a catchy hip hop based number.

SPECIAL MENTION: ONEWE’s ‘Roommate’, Jannabi’s ‘Summer Fall Winter Spring’, oceanfromtheblue’s ‘Why’ feat. Huokoo, Dok2’s ‘Heart Emoji’, BVNDIT’s ‘Venom’, Kang Daniel’s ‘The Story’.