K-pop releases for March include BTS' Jimin, SHINee's Onew, EXO's Kai

• Published date: 26 February 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

March is going to be a big month for K-pop lovers around the world, with a host of A-list stars releasing new albums. Included in the star-studded lineup are Onew of K-pop boy band SHINee, girl group TWICE, Kai of boy group EXO and Jimin of BTS.

Onew, the front man of SHINee, will roll out his first solo studio album "Circle" on March 6. Fronted by the lead single, "O (Circle)," the upcoming album will offer nine additional tracks of different vibes, according to his record label, SM Entertainment.

"Onew's new album will highlight his unique voice and sentiment," SM said in a statement.

"O (Circle)" is a dreamy and groovy R and B song that likens people's lives to nature. Through its lyrics, it tells listeners that they all experience good and bad things throughout life. Acclaimed lyricist Kim Ea-na, who previously penned lyrics for Onew and singer Punch's collaborative single, "Way," has again participated in the creative process of Onew's new tune.

"This is the first time for me and my company to work on the song with this kind of mood," the singer said on the radio program Kim Eana's Starry Night, Feb. 20. "I picked its name, too."

"Circle" will also feature "Caramel" ? featuring rapper Giriboy ? and "Rain On Me." The latter was written by singer-songwriter Sam Kim.

It has taken about a year for Onew to showcase his solo material after his second mini-album "Dice" hit shelves last April. Prior to the release of "Circle," the 33-year-old is set to stage his first solo concert, "O-NEW-NOTE" in Seoul from March 3-5.

TWICE, a marquee name in the K-pop universe, will unleash its 12th mini-album, "Ready to be," on March 10, its management company JYP Entertainment said.

Leading the upcoming EP is the lead track, "Set Me Free," a tune peppered with simple yet powerful sounds and confident lyrics.

"Melanie Fontana and Lindgren, who were behind the success of the nonet's previous hits like 'I Can't Stop Me' (2020) and 'Cry For Me' (2020), composed 'Set Me Free,'" JYP said in a statement.

The EP will also include "Moonlight Sunrise," the group's latest English single that made it onto the Billboard's main singles chart upon its release in January.

"It will feature seven tracks, including the English version of 'Set Me Free,'" JYP explained, adding that member Dahyun wrote lyrics for one of...