From EXO, NCT Dream to MONSTA X: Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases for July 2023

July 2023 was a power-packed month when it comes to Korean music releases.

By Nandini Iyengar -

August 2, 2023 - 5:22 PM IST

July 2023 saw a rise in comebacks and new music from the artists. EXO made a much-anticipated full group comeback and we got to see a new side to Monsta X’s Shownu and Hyungwon as they debuted as a subunit. We also saw iKON’s Jay make a solo debut with some cool RnB tracks. Each track was like a moment to rejoice for the fans who were eagerly waiting for something new from their favourite artists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular comebacks of July 2023.

From EXO, NCT Dream to MONSTA X: Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases for July 2023

1. EXO – LET ME IN
EXO’s comeback as a full group (sans Lay this time) has been one of the most anticipated comebacks of July 2023. The group got back together on stage quite some time after Obsession and it did not disappoint. EXO released the title track Let Me In, a heartfelt ballad which feels like a warm hug. The soft tunes that EXO’s ballads are synonymous with make a soothing comeback with this track.

2. NCT Dream – ISTJ
NCT Dream first teased their comeback with the track ‘Broken Melodies’. A month later, the group released their third album ‘ISTJ’ with a title track of the same name. The track falls in line with the group’s past releases - it showcases rambunctious bursts of energy throughout.

3. NMIXX – ROLLER COASTER
NMIXX has been synonymous with fun pop tracks since their debut and this time it is no different. The rookie girl group sings about a rise of feelings of love and presents analogies of famous fictional pairs like Romeo and Juliet, Rabbit and Alice, Beauty and the Beast in the track ‘Roller Coaster’.

4. iKON JAY – BLUE MOON
As a member of iKON, JAY’s soft vocals have often stood out in the tracks. Now, the singer has turned to pursuing his solo music career and his artistry reflects splendidly in his solo EP. With Blue Moon, JAY employs a mysterious vibe and belts a sultry track from start to finish.

5. SWJA – LOVE WAR
From the singer who gave us an emotional heavy track ‘Burst It All’ and the peppy OST ‘Beyond My Dreams’, now comes another thoughtful number ‘Love War’. Sunwoojunga aka SWJA makes full use of her breathy vocals as she belts out a heartbreaking ballad of love. Set in a backdrop of black and white visuals, SWJA paints a soulful picture of love gone sour.

6. SHOWNU X HYUNGWON – LOVE ME A LITTLE
What do you get when you join two exemplary dancers and singers? You get the subunit Shownu X Hyungwon from Monsta X. The duo debuted their subunit with an EP which echoes Monsta X’s signature sparkly visuals and stunning rhythms. In the title track ‘Love Me A Little’, the two leave traces of their membership with Monsta X but also present a new force of artistry born out of their partnership.