Weekly K-pop News – 3rd Week of September 2025
By Nomad's Dream | September 19 2025
This is the K-pop news for the third week of September 2025.
Although a heavy rain warning was issued in the Seoul metropolitan area, some regions had clear skies. Rain in some places, sunshine in others — in such a small country, the weather varies, just like the K-pop industry this week.
For some it’s hot, for others it’s just gloomy. Once again, we hope the K-pop industry will be loved by everyone as we deliver this week’s news.
(G)I-DLE’s Yuqi Releases First Single Motivation
First up is news about Yuqi from 3rd-generation girl group (G)I-DLE releasing her first solo single.
Yuqi’s first single Motivation includes the title track “M.O” plus two additional songs.
With her charming low, mid-range voice, the stronger the beat, the more boyish and powerful she sounds. The title track “M.O,” a hip-hop song, showcases Yuqi’s charismatic side.
The combination of a vintage drum loop and Yuqi’s low vocals creates a melody that isn’t overly heavy but still feels intense.
By including three songs of different genres, Yuqi expresses her emotions in a multidimensional and delicate way.
Track 2 “It Hurts” is a rock song, and track 3 “还痛吗” (“Does it Still Hurt”) is a Chinese version of “It Hurts” specially included for her fans.
4th-Generation Girl Group Primrose Releases Love Your Flower
Primrose — you may find the name unfamiliar.
In each generation, usually about 20–30 girl groups debut and compete. To us, only the large-agency groups or well-known mid-sized idols stand out, but if you look at the K-pop industry globally, there are also groups focusing more on overseas activities than in Korea.
Primrose previously promoted an album in Europe under a “Nordic goddess” concept.
As idols from a small agency, even releasing albums and promoting is extremely challenging, but since 2024 they’ve been steadily putting out singles and slowly making a name for themselves.
They tend to get a bigger response abroad than in Korea, so they have many overseas fans.
Their new single Love Your Flower is a disco-pop style K-pop dance track with a sophisticated melody. A groovy bass anchors the rhythm, but overall it’s an easy-listening tune that’s pleasant to the ear.
Personally, I think the song is their best yet — really enjoyable and I hope it does well.
It might even mark a career high for them.
Fans at home and abroad should remember Primrose’s name more and show their reactions on social media.
2PM’s Wooyoung Releases 3rd Mini Album I’m Into
Third is the release of 2PM member Wooyoung’s new album.
Wooyoung, main dancer and sub-vocalist of 2PM, has released his third mini album.
After releasing a digital single “Simple Dance” in 2023, two years after his last release, fans speculated about his domestic comeback. With 2PM’s full-group activities on hold, fans have been eager for Wooyoung’s music.
This mini album answers those expectations. Wooyoung participated in every track, showing his singer-songwriter side, and will hold a solo concert at YES24 Live Hall on September 27 to commemorate the release.
The title track is the second track “Think Too Much,” a funky number where Wooyoung’s witty vocals and rapper Damin’s chemistry shine.
Overall the sound is vintage but not overly mood-centric — upbeat and attractive.
Track 1 “Carpet” is a lo-fi-style song, showing he’s trying new genres.
4th-Generation Girl Group Badvillain Releases THRILLER
Fourth is the release of 4th-generation girl group Badvillain’s new single.
It’s been a full year since their 2024 single.
Fans are disappointed it’s just a single, not an album, but hope the group can regain momentum.
The title track “THRILLER” follows their signature strong-sounding style. Though the track itself is minimal, as a hip-hop song the flow feels very powerful.
Badvillain became known for strong performances last year, but with many new groups debuting they risk fading from memory. Their digital single signals a new start.
Let’s send big support so this single isn’t their last.
K-pop Briefs – 3rd Week of September
- ARTMS Haseul released her single Love Poison.
Minimal drums and her vocals create a dreamy sound with hints of city pop. Unexpectedly, the song is really good. After LOONA members moved to new agencies, it’s great to see them carving their own paths.
Im Jae Bum, a legend of Korean pop, released a pre-release single from his upcoming 8th studio album Prelude 1celebrating his 40th anniversary. The single “Greeting” (“Insa”) blends lyrical and powerful emotions. With producers like Park Ki Deok, Mad Soul Child, and 14o2 involved, the album is already creating buzz among fans awaiting his signature weighty yet rich songs.
Song Ha Ye, known as the “Queen of Breakup Songs,” released a new single “Feels Like Watching a Movie,” capturing love and breakup like a film. Her soulful voice and strings over a soft piano amplify the emotion. As one of the few female ballad singers left, she truly deserves more recognition.
EXO’s D.O. (Do Kyung Soo) dropped a surprise digital single featuring rapper Penomeco. D.O. co-wrote the lyrics. With a band sound and striking bass line, the dynamic track showcases a great blend of both artists’ vocals.
Nana — The Singer
Known from After School and Orange Caramel, Nana has long been seen in commercials, TV, and films thanks to her model-like appearance and acting. Some may forget she debuted as an idol and is a capable singer.
Now Nana returns to the stage with her first solo album in 16 years.
Including the title track “GOD,” the four-track album was co-written and co-composed with producer DOKO.
Fans praise her expressive performance, some even calling her “Korea’s Lady Gaga” for the scale and preparation behind the project.
Photos from the music video set show a massive production, proving how much she and her team invested.
Although she’s an actress, Nana shines brightest as a singer on stage. Personally, I’ve always liked her as a singer.
“Nana is a singer.”
I.O.I Reunion?
With Kang Mina reportedly not joining a potential I.O.I reunion, a full-member stage is becoming unlikely. But even without every member, a return would be a positive jolt for the K-pop industry.
Before IZ*ONE ruled the 4th-gen girl group scene, there was I.O.I. Jeon Somi’s influence is huge, Chungha’s solo career extends the female-solo legacy, Choi Yoo-jung shines in musicals, and actress Kang Mina continues to charm fans.
Even if it’s not a full lineup, any appearance would be welcome news. After an I.O.I reunion, attention will likely shift fully to IZ*ONE.
It’s possible even now — but ideally with Yabuki Nako and all members together.
I’ll keep waiting for an IZ*ONE reunion too.