Blackpink, Sunmi and Hwasa from Mamamoo’s new releases give K-pop hope after coronavirus

Hwasa of Mamamoo, who made her solo debut in February, announced that her first solo EP, Maria, is to be released on June 29.

Leading female voices in the K-pop world are gearing up for new releases later this month, closing off the first half of the K-pop industry’s 2020 release calendar largely shaken up by the new coronavirus pandemic.

Hwasa, the magnetic power singer of girl group Mamamoo, also announced her first solo EP, Maria, which will also be released on June 29. It will be the singer’s first new material since her solo debut song Twit in February last year.

The songstress, known for her powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence, became a household name from her frequent appearances on MBC TV’s reality programme I Live Alone, sharing the more personal and freewheeling aspects of her private life.

Solo artist Sunmi also plans to drop Pporappippam on June 29, her first new single in 10 months since the hit Lalalay from last year.

For the new song, the ex-Wonder Girls member partnered with DJ and producer Frants. The producer was involved in co-creating Sunmi’s past hits Siren and Lalalay. As usual, Sunmi was in charge of writing lyrics for her new song.

Sunmi shared a promotional image for Pporappippam on social media, striking a chic look dressed in a leopard print dress.

Sunmi releases Pporappippam on June 29, her first single in 10 months.

Meanwhile, K-pop girl group Blackpink released teaser videos for How You Like That last Friday, a pre-release single from the band’s first studio album to be fully unveiled in September.

According to the band’s label and management agency, YG Entertainment, the quartet will mark the release on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 26 (US time).

YG has announced that the band’s new album will be released under a three-tier scheme, with the first single coming this month followed by another track sometime between July and August.

Blackpink’s teaser video for new single How You Like That can be seen now.

One of the biggest K-pop girl groups today, Blackpink landed a successful debut in 2016, storming multiple music charts back to back with their edgy hip-hop tracks Whistle and Boombayah.

The group has maintained a winning streak at home and overseas, with the EP Kill This Love peaking at No 24 on the Billboard 200 albums chart last year, and the title track ranking as high as 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Read the full story at the Korea Times