May Comeback Lineup: NMIXX, ITZY, I.O.I, and aespa Set to Dominate the Charts

The May comeback lineup for girl groups is impressive, featuring artists with diverse musical styles. From NMIXX, who topped the charts with their previous release, to aespa, who sparked the 'Supernova' boom, fans are eagerly anticipating their returns.

NMIXX is set to release their fifth mini-album 'Heavy Serenade' on May 11. Ahead of their comeback, they unveiled the music video for the album's first track, 'Crescendo,' on April 28. The song features a dramatic contrast between a soft melody and intense synths and drums, with a recurring music box sound and harmonious vocal build-up in the chorus. The response to the new track has been positive, with comments praising NMIXX's unique vibe and their ability to balance mainstream appeal with their identity.

NMIXX achieved a career high with their first full album 'Blue Valentine,' released in October last year. The album topped major domestic music charts, including Melon's 'Top 100,' and won ten music show awards. While they maintained their distinctive musical world, they also managed to bridge the gap with the public. However, meeting the expectations of their existing fanbase remains a challenge, as fans who loved their intense and weighty tracks might feel a sense of loss. Nevertheless, given NMIXX's history of showcasing various genres, they are expected to maintain their identity with a diverse range of songs.

ITZY will make their comeback on May 18 with the mini-album 'Motto.' This release is anticipated to be a turning point for the group, coming amidst high expectations. In February, ITZY kicked off their new world tour at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, where they premiered the performance of 'THAT'S A NO NO' from their second mini-album. The performance went viral online, sparking a challenge craze. The stage video, posted on their official SNS channels, has surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

ITZY made a strong debut with 'DALLA DALLA,' topping major domestic music charts. However, subsequent activities did not fully meet initial expectations. 'THAT'S A NO NO,' which gained attention through a resurgence, was also released early in their career. The key question is whether ITZY can continue their upward trajectory with a new song that highlights their signature energy and performance.

I.O.I will reunite on May 19 to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Formed through the 2016 Mnet girl group survival program 'Produce 101,' they are returning with a new album after nine years since disbanding as a project group. 'I.O.I : LOOP' aims to complete the unfinished pieces of their youth.

The synergy with B1A4 member and actor Jinyoung is highly anticipated. The members will reunite with Jinyoung, who they met during 'Produce 101.' Jinyoung contributed to the lyrics and composition of I.O.I's pre-release track 'Goodbye with a Smile,' an archived track he created 10 years ago, preserving the youthful sentiment of that time.

While I.O.I gained immense popularity as a project group, individual members did not achieve significant success as solo artists post-disbandment. Along with the album release, I.O.I will embark on a world tour, visiting major Asian cities. Expanding the renewed interest from the album and tour into individual member activities and popularity is seen as a challenge.

aespa will return to the music scene on May 29 with their second full album 'LEMONADE.' The album includes a total of 10 tracks spanning various genres, with SM Entertainment promising a more solidified world concept and mature musical color.

This album marks their first full release in about two years since 'Armageddon' in 2024. aespa swept the charts with the double title track 'Supernova' from their first full album, winning numerous grand prizes at music award shows that year. However, their subsequent releases 'Dirty Work' and 'Rich Man' received less favorable results. There is keen interest in whether aespa can rebound with their new full album.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr