In August, major K-pop boy groups including BIGBANG, ENHYPEN, and NCT 127 are set to release new albums one after another, sparking a comeback competition in the K-pop market.

Stray Kids Open the Comeback Battle... 3.28 Million Copies in First Week

Stray Kids of JYP Entertainment opened the comeback battle on the 7th with their mini album 'THIS & THAT.' Based on Hanteo Chart figures, the album sold more than 3.28 million copies in its first week, reaffirming the group's standing as an album powerhouse. The group also released a remix album in various versions on the 12th.

BIGBANG to Return as a Group After Four Years with 20th Anniversary Single 'BiiiG'

YG Entertainment will unveil BIGBANG's new single 'BiiiG' on the 19th, marking the group's 20th debut anniversary. It is the group's first release as a team in four years, since 'Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter' in 2022. Immediately after the release, the group will kick off its world tour 'XX: COSMOS' at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex from the 21st to the 23rd, followed by 33 performances across 19 cities in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

ENHYPEN's First Comeback as a Six-Member Group Following Heeseung's Departure

ENHYPEN will release its eighth mini album 'THE SIN: BLISS' through BELIFT LAB on the 21st. The title track 'Bloody Paradise,' a Brazilian funk song, likens the situation of lovers in crisis to paradise. The group is making its first comeback under a six-member system following Heeseung's departure, having previously unveiled the new song's stage for the first time at its concerts at Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium on the 8th and 9th.

NCT 127's First Full-Length Album Since Mark's Departure

NCT 127 of SM Entertainment will release its seventh full-length album 'BLINGY' on the 24th. It is the group's first full-length album since Mark's departure, with all seven members, who are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut, having renewed their contracts. However, promotional activities for the new album will proceed as a five-member group, excluding Doyoung and Jungwoo, who are currently serving in the military.

AlphaDriveOne to Make Comeback with Second Mini Album

Rookie group AlphaDriveOne will also make a comeback on the 24th with its second mini album 'UNBREAKABLE: 少年BEAST.' The group, signed to WAKEONE, was formed through Mnet's audition program 'BOYS II PLANET' and rose to million-seller status after selling more than 1.44 million copies of its debut album in the first week. The new album deals with the growing pains of youth.

Industry Expects Rebound in Album Sales

An official from an idol management agency said the comebacks of ENHYPEN and NCT 127, following member changes, are highly anticipated, and predicted that BIGBANG's return would also draw attention from fans across generations. Kim Jin-woo, a music-specialized data journalist at Circle Chart, forecast that major boy group comebacks in August would contribute to a rebound in album sales.