From iKON, Rad Museum, KARD to MONSTA X’s JOOHONEY, ENHYPEN – Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases in May 2023

Here’s a roundup of some of the popular Korean comebacks and solo debuts from May 2023.

By Nandini Iyengar -

May 31, 2023 - 6:46 PM IST

The month of May was quite hot when it came to the weather and also Korean music releases! There were stunning comebacks lined up for the fans. The fans braved the heat (literally and figuratively) and cheered on in support as their favourites - iKon, KARD, ENHYPEN, MX Joohoney and more - released new music to listen to. Let’s take a look at some of the memorable Korean releases from the month of May 2023.

From iKON, Rad Museum, KARD to MONSTA X’s JOOHONEY, ENHYPEN – Here’s a round-up of Korean music releases in May 2023

1. iKON - U
iKON tapped into the dance pop genre for their latest comeback song U. The bilingual track sports a catchy guitar sequence woven throughout. The boys tap into their bubbly romantic side with lyrics that go, “I just can't get enough of you (can't get enough) / Wrote a thousands songs for you.”

2. ONEUS – ERASE ME
ONEUS has never failed to impress with their music, and it is no different with this comeback. The group’s comeback song ‘Erase Me’ is a smooth synth-based dance number which speaks about a bad and heartbreaking breakup. The vocal harmonization pairs well with the cinematic music composition, especially during the verse, “There's no such thing as a beautiful breakup / I was blind so I walked through everything / Because that's me.”

3. aespa – SPICY
‘Spicy’ by aespa is one of the few songs from the group, which is not a remake. This song, just like the group’s concept, is quite experimental in nature. The quartet shines in the track which is punctuated with trap and synth-based beats. aespa’s vocals are peppy and chirpy as they sing, “'Cause I'm too spicy for your heart, ring the fire alarm / You tiptoe into my heart, I'm too spicy / While the fire spreads, in that very moment.”

4. ENHYPEN - Bite Me
Trust ENHYPEN to deliver a stunning gothic inspired track in peak summer season. This cinematic piece is one of ENHYPEN's great presentations especially with lyrics like, “Memory in my veins / My cells in search of you scream / Now I know what I had to be / Fate discovered us once again.” The choral harmonization is spine-chilling.

5. MONSTA X’s JOOHONEY – FREEDOM
We have all loved Joohoney’s compositions for Monsta X discography. His 2020 mixtape Psycho gave further insight into the rapper-songwriters music making capabilities. With his solo debut finally released, we get to glimpse into Joohoney’s artistry as a soloist. He taps into the ballads and rap for the title track Freedom. Don’t be fooled by the acoustic guitar strums for Joohoney has a big surprise as the track progresses. Freedom is a track where he explores his love and attraction towards his passion as he sings, “Various colors illuminate / My own stage (Bar) / Getting drunk on style (Bar) / One shot in one cup, throw it up to the sky / Raise both hands, raise it up.”

6. KARD - ICKY
KARD is back with their rambunctious energy after a long time. The group released the song Icky which shows how much they have grown since they were all together on screen. The song delves into the funk pop genre and the Afro-pop inspiration adds a delightful charm. The song is replete with innuendos with lyrics like – “Body to body, at that short moment / I feel bad, You come to me / I know what you know what you like / I'll get you come closer tonight” – which do not veil any emotion.

7. ASH ISLAND – ROSE IN THE HEART
It seems like Halloween came in May if you look at Ash Island’s latest musical offering Rose in the Heart. The artist taps into a suede RnB beat for the track which speaks about the desire to burn the very essence and memories of one’s lost love. Ash Island hums a smooth note throughout the song as he sings, “It was red at first / The black rose in my heart / In my heart, how about you? / I want you to burn all that's left / So I can forget everything.”

8. RAD MUSEUM – WORK HAD PLAY HARD (ft Kid Milli, GOLDBUUDA)
Rad Museum’s work never disappoints when it comes to atmospheric hip hop tracks. The artist has a knack of picking up the most mundane of everyday activities and incorporating them in catchy music. His latest musical offering ‘Work Hard Play Hard’ features a collaboration with Kid Milli and GOLDBUUDA, who are both recognized for their exceptional works. This funky hip hop trap beat laced track is truly one for the books.

SPECIAL MENTION: LE SSERAFIM “Unforgiven”, (G)-IDLE “Queencard”, VERIVERY “Crazy Like That”, EXO’s CHEN “Before the Petals Fall”, BOYNEXTDOOR “But I Like You”.

Also Read: Ahead of King The Land, 3 K-dramas and 5 movies of Girls’ Generation’s YoonA that you must have your watch-list