K-pop is turning up the heat this summer with major comebacks, long-awaited group reunions, surprise solo returns and bold new album chapters. From Ateez and i-dle getting the season off to a strong start to fresh releases from Jennie, Stray Kids, Enhypen and Taemin, here are nine comebacks worth having on your radar, arranged chronologically

Ateez - “Golden Hour: Part 5" (June 26)

Ateez kicked off the season with “Golden Hour: Part 5," led by the Latin-influenced “Bad”. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while the member San’s sharp chest-pop choreography and commanding Inkigayo performance helped the track go viral. Riding that momentum, a Japanese version of “Bad” is also set to arrive on July 29.

I-dle - "We Made" (July 6)

i-dle returned with their ninth mini album, "We Made," led by “Gimme Dat Love”. The project continues the group’s tradition of taking control of its musical identity, with members including Soyeon, Minnie and Yuqi closely associated with its songwriting and production. Bold reinventions may keep each comeback fresh, but honest storytelling and distinctive personalities remain at the heart of i-dle’s appeal.

Jennie - “Less Than a Lover” (July 24)

Following her debut solo album, Ruby, Jennie returns with the laid-back summer single “Less Than a Lover”. Lo-fi guitar, vintage keyboards and lower, warmer vocals reveal a softer side than her performance-heavy hits. The romantic music video has also stirred online conversation by casting Taiwan-born, Seoul-based model Nah Kai as Jennie’s apparent love interest.

Aespa - "Kiss N Tell" (July 24)

Aespa make their first Japanese comeback in around two years with "Kiss N Tell," a six-track mini album made entirely of original Japanese songs. Visually, the group swaps its darker cyberpunk edge for whimsical retro-futurism, stepping into a dreamlike salon filled with colourful, kitschy styling and pink-toned artwork. It is a playful new look that has fans especially curious.

Red Velvet - "Velvet Summer" (August 3)

Red Velvet return as a full group with "Velvet Summer," arriving two years after Cosmic. A seasonal comeback feels especially fitting for the group behind summer favourites such as “Red Flavor” and “Power Up”. Whether the mini album leans towards bright pop, silky R&B or somewhere between the two, it should offer another showcase of Red Velvet’s signature duality.

Stray Kids - "This & That" (August 7)

Stray Kids return with "This & That" following June’s pre-release track “RUN IT”. The new visuals mix sleek tailoring and traditional Eastern details with avant-garde streetwear and moodier styling. Backed by a packed rollout of teaser images, track previews and physical editions, the album looks ready to extend the momentum created by the group’s self-produced sound and explosive performances.

Enhypen - "The Sin: Bliss" (August 21)

Enhypen continue their dark romantic mythology with their eighth mini album, "The Sin: Bliss." The story returns to the runaway lovers from "The Sin: Vanish," who begin to see their forbidden relationship as a blessing despite the uncertain ending ahead. It gives fans another elaborate narrative to unpack alongside Enhypen’s atmospheric pop, cinematic visuals and sharply polished choreography.

NCT 127 - Seventh full-length album (August 24)

Photo: Instagram @nct127

NCT 127 mark their tenth anniversary with a seventh full-length album, their first studio record since Walk in 2024. While its title and track list are still under wraps, the milestone release already feels like the beginning of an important new chapter. It will also lead into their fifth world tour, Neo City: The Redline, launching in Seoul in September.

Taemin - "Phase 1: Soft Violence" (August 31)

Photo: SM Entertainment

Taemin closes August with "Phase 1: Soft Violence," building on the excitement surrounding his recent festival performances. Known for pairing graceful movement and sensual vocals with darker, unsettling imagery, he rarely treats a comeback as music alone. Even the title captures that compelling contrast, while the words “Phase 1” suggest this could be only the beginning of an ambitious new chapter.

Also see: NewJeans at four: Revisiting their defining eras as a new chapter begins