7 Releases By Female K-pop Acts To Have on Your Radar

So far, 2022 has been the year of female K-pop artists. For fans who’ve admired female K-pop acts across generations, the last nine-odd months have brought nothing short of sheer exhilaration. Be it 2NE1’s iconic reunion stage at this year’s Coachella, Girls’ Generation surprise release album, or groups such as IVE, NewJeans, BlackPink, Twice and more cementing their popularity through sales and chart performance, fans of girl groups have rejoiced with every record release thus far.

Keeping the bandwagon moving, several female K-pop acts have announced new music for the coming months. While we stay put and wait for EXID’s 10th anniversary single album, here are seven K-pop releases by female K-pop acts you must have on your radar. 

1) Red Velvet’s Seulgi 

October 4th, 2022

Vocalist Seulgi is all set to make her long-awaited solo debut with the EP 28 Reasons. While Seulgi has previously released music with fellow member Irene as an official sub-unit, 28 Reasons will mark the singer’s first solo work outside the scope of group activities. The singer has also participated in writing the lyrics for her first solo album B-side “Dead Man Runnin.’’ Through the mood sampler, album trailer and other promotional assets, Seulgi has evidently reinterpreted the term ‘hauntingly beautiful’ in her unique way, depicting how good and evil coexist within all of us. In an interview, Seulgi revealed her degree of involvement saying her “first solo album is a new beginning” and “own concept.” Red Velvet are amongst the many K-pop acts who’ve solidified their popularity through compelling concepts. Given Seulgi’s eye for detail, her solo debut is certainly one you cannot afford to miss out on. 

2) Itzy

October 5th, 2022

Shortly after making the world groove to their July 2022 release “Sneakers,” JYP Entertainment’s Itzy are scheduled to return with their second Japanese single “Blah Blah Blah.” The release follows the group’s first Japanese single “Voltage” that was launched earlier this year. The EP, which shares the same name as the lead single, will comprise four tracks: the lead single, “Can’t Tie Me Down,” and the instrumental versions of the two songs. In classic Itzy fashion, the members exude power and confidence in the concept photos. Dressed down in cool, all-black street fashion-inspired ensembles, they strike a pose against walls dotted with graffiti and spray paint. 

3) Mamamoo

October 11th, 2022

While Mamamoo may be returning as a group after nearly a year, it sure doesn’t feel like members Solar, Moonbyul, Hwasa and Wheein have been away from the spotlight. Thanks to the string of solo releases and surprise collaborative singles from them, we’ve been basking in each member’s iridescent artistic hues in their full glory. It would, however, be complete deception to admit that fans have not missed hearing all four vocals come together. Titled Mic On, Mamamoo’s 12th EP follows the quartet’s September 2021 compilation album I Say MAMAMOO: The Best, which housed two new tracks – the lead single “mumumumuch” and “Happier Than Ever.” Considering that the poster was released last night at midnight KST, there isn’t much information out yet. Given the group’s track record of splendid vocal performances wrapped between Jazz, R&B and pop soundscapes, one can expect a potential loop-worthy record from the women of Mamamoo. 

4) Dreamcatcher

October 11th, 2022

K-pop rock group Dreamcatcher are also ready to unveil an exciting chapter in their career on October 11th with the release of their seventh EP, Apocalypse: Follow Us. With the launch of their sophomore LP Apocalypse: Save Us this year in April, the group officially kickstarted their Apocalypse series. While the first chapter was a desperate plea and cry to save the planet from ecological damage and global warming, with Apocalypse: Follow Us, it sure does look like the group is done with seeing their words fall on deaf ears and is encouraging others to follow their lead. There’s a lot to look forward to with this release. Not only is this EP their first release following their landmark music show win, but it also happens to take place a few weeks shy of Halloween. Considering the group’s affinity towards all things horror, it will be interesting to see if the members choose to incorporate any Halloween-centric motifs in their visual assets. 

5) Kwon Eun-bi

October 12th, 2022

K-pop soloist Kwon Eun-bi is scheduled to return with new music after nearly six months. Following the release of her sophomore EP Color, the singer is all set to welcome a new era and concept with her third EP, Lethality. The teaser image released shows Kwon striking three different poses with a giant letter ‘E’ situated right in the center of the poster. The visual, ensemble and design are a complete contrast to her second EP, which saw the singer adopt an ethereal, dreamy route as she submerged herself within the depths of an ocean wearing a gorgeous gown. 

6) (G)I-DLE

October 17th, 2022

Following the roaring success of “Tomboy” – their first release as a quintet – (G)I-DLE will be returning with a brand new EP. Titled I Love, the record will hit major streaming platforms roughly seven months after the release of their first studio album, I Never Die. Seeped in soaring guitar riffs and powerful drum beats, the album’s lead single “Tomboy” discusses breaking free from societal molds of a ‘perfect’ and ‘nice’ girlfriend. Empowering, confident and unapologetically rebellious, “Tomboy” served as a perfect introductory chapter to the quintet’s revamped perspectives and maturity. The song was an instant viral sensation in South Korea, with several fans and idols performing the hook choreography. Since their debut, (G)I-DLE have built an unconquerable queendom, backed by unique concepts and heartfelt lyricism. Now with I Love just a few weeks away from its release, all eyes are again on (G)I-DLE to see what stories and messages this chapter will unfold. 

7) Le Sserafim

October 17th, 2022

Undoubtedly, Source Music’s Le Sserafim had one of the biggest debuts of the year with their single “Fearless” – the addictive alternative-pop anthem that combined deep, heavy bass-synth and a groovy hook to maintain a sophisticated and refined sonic atmosphere. Mellow and rhythmic with just the right kick of crisp percussion sounds, the single’s toned-down production allows listeners to focus on the group’s vocals. Currently at 99,890,472 streams on Spotify, it goes without saying that “Fearless” was one of the most memorable releases of the year, despite the rocky post-debut promotional period the group went through. Now stronger than ever, the group is ready to cement its position in the ever-growing, competitive realm of K-pop with AntiFragile. In a sleek album trailer the members are seen narrating, “Do you think I’m fragile/ Take a swing, here’s my neck/ Again, and again/ I will rise, over and over again” in their native languages of Korean, Japanese and English over a trippy, dark and trance-like instrumental section. Needless to say, it looks like the women of Le Sserafim are a true embodiment of what it means to be ‘fearless.’