WayV Announces New Release Date For Their Forthcoming EP ‘Phantom’
The project, which was initially supposed to launch on December 9th, has been delayed to later this month
WayV. Photo: Courtesy of SM Entertainment
On November 22nd, C-pop group WayV announced their highly anticipated comeback with their fourth EP, Phantom. Following the roll-out of the first teaser images, the group’s label, SM Entertainment, announced the postponement of the EP and consequent teaser assets on November 30th via a tweet. The EP was initially slated to hit streaming platforms on December 9th.
While the label did not categorically mention the reason behind the deferral in their tweet, it is believed to have concurred with the national mourning period in China held in light of the demise of former President Jiang Zemin.
Earlier today, the label announced that the group will be returning with new music on December 28th. “The release of WayV’s 4th Mini Album ‘Phantom’ which was tentatively postponed is [now] confirmed to be released on December 28th KST,” the tweet read.
Upon the release of the album’s packaging details, fans quickly identified the tracklist. Led by the EP’s titular track “Phantom,” the eight-track EP will comprise five new tracks: “Diamonds Only,” Good Life,” “Broken Love,” “Bounce Back” and “Try My Luck.” Previously released tracks “Back To You” by Kun and Xiaojun, and “Low Low” by Ten and YangYang, will also be included in this release.
Phantom will mark WayV’s long-awaited return to the spotlight after their March 2021 EP Kick Back. On November 22nd, the group released the EP artwork and teaser image, officially announcing the beginning of their new musical era. With luxurious blends of deep-red and silver hues, the album artwork is led by a centrally placed sleek golden masquerade mask with a prominent ‘V’ taking the spotlight. On the other hand, the teaser image played on anticipation as silhouettes dotted the width of the photograph. Though visually hazy, the image showed six members as opposed to WayV’s original seven-member lineup, hinting that this comeback will be promoted by members Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery and Yangyang. Lucas, who has been on an indefinite hiatus since August 2021, may sit this release out.
