Weekly allkpop: aespa, KARD, Young K and more

A weekly playlist of ten tracks hand-picked by allkpop's editors in Korea, bringing together this week's K-pop releases across a range of genres.

The title track of aespa's first Japanese mini album, "Kiss N Tell" is a house-based dance-pop number driven by bright piano and a danceable beat. Soft, delicate chorus harmonies lend a dreamy, futuristic mood, stepping away from their intense worldbuilding and into aespa's bubbly, playful side.

A track that lives on the warm vocal chemistry between George and (G)I-DLE's Minnie. It draws out the softer side of Minnie's voice, often overshadowed by (G)I-DLE's fiercer songs. The music video also brings a welcome appearance from EXO's Kai, previously seen in JENNIE's video.

After their contract came to an end, to many fans' disappointment, KARD returned with new music. "Back to Life" is a moombahton-based dancehall track that refreshes the tropical sound of KARD's early days. Bright synths cross with heavy bass and woodwind textures for a dynamic, three-dimensional energy, and the group framed it not as an ending but a new beginning.

DAY6's Young K returns as a soloist. The music video wittily stages the moments he has faced and the scenes he has dreamed of as an artist through the lens of a sitcom. The recurring Door works as a device for moving across different times and spaces, pulling you further in.

Veteran R&B vocalist Bumkey returns with new music after some time away. An elastic guitar groove and heavy bass carry the sensual vocals of Bumkey and Justin Park, rounded out by a sharp verse from JUSTHIS.

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis," Takahashi Yoko's 1995 theme for the series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' has stayed a beloved national favorite in Japan for over 30 years and remains one of J-pop's most iconic anime songs, familiar to younger listeners again through short-form. Rising Korean indie star HANRORO makes the original her own with a Korean-language rendition.

Long active in hip-hop, Seo Dong Hyun returns with a love song made for summer. The music video captures a distinctly Korean nostalgia, while warm synths and featured vocals from Haga call back to Korea's 70s and 80s.

Title track "Flavor" pairs POW's easy, refreshing vocal tone with glittering synths and a beat that bounces along brightly. Leader Yeochi took on full production, drawing the group's own colors more vividly than ever.

A catchy bassline holds the whole track together while strings and brass add lift, delivering an upbeat, energetic dance number with all the cool of summer. HUI's signature bright, hopeful sensibility comes through from start to finish.

One of Korea's standout audition stars, Lee Seung Yoon releases his fourth full album. A lyrical melody and comforting words carry a message about cherishing the people closest to us a little more.

Which release is on repeat for you this week? Let us know in the comments.