Red Velvet lands first full-group album in two years
Plus: KATSEYE reaches UK top 20, Japanese acts sweep RIAJ certifications, and Jennie unveils unreleased track at Lollapalooza.
TL;DR
- Red Velvet's 'Velvet Summer' mini album launched Aug 3 with title track 'Surfin' Boy', marking their first full-group release since 2024.
- KATSEYE's 'Animal' debuted at No. 16 on the UK Official Singles Chart, their second top-20 hit after 'PINKY UP'.
- SEVENTEEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, NEXZ, and PLAVE earned RIAJ certifications in Japan, with SEVENTEEN reaching million status for 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN'.
- Billboard's World Albums chart saw K-pop acts dominate top spots led by ATEEZ's 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.5' in its third non-consecutive week at No. 1.
Comebacks and releases
Red Velvet returns with Velvet Summer, BOYNEXTDOOR maps Japan plans
Red Velvet released their third summer mini album "Velvet Summer" on August 3 at 6 p.m. KST, marking their first full-group album in over two years. The five-track project pivots from the group's traditional bright summer sound to a more sophisticated direction, with "Surfin' Boy" as the title track and fantasy-themed visuals inspired by ocean mythology. SM released eight physical versions, including a high-tide variant and five individual member editions. Wendy and Yeri, who departed SM in 2025, continue participating in Red Velvet's group work. (via Kfriday)
BOYNEXTDOOR plots Japanese push and September repackage. At their August 3 Busan concert, the six-member group confirmed a Japanese digital single for August 18, launching three days before their five-city Japanese tour kicks off in Yokohama. On September 28, they'll release a Korean repackaged version of their debut LP "Home," which debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and earned RIAJ gold status. (via Soompi) (via Korea Herald)
Charts and awards
KATSEYE climbs UK charts, RIAJ crowns Japanese K-pop winners
KATSEYE's "Animal" debuted at No. 16 on the UK Official Singles Chart as the week's highest new entry, marking the girl group's second top-20 hit after "PINKY UP" peaked at No. 14 earlier in 2026. The track climbs to No. 9 globally and No. 8 in the US on Spotify, positioning the song as a pre-release hit ahead of their third EP "WILD," due August 14. (via Soompi)
SEVENTEEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, NEXZ, and PLAVE earn Japan certifications. The Recording Industry Association of Japan awarded SEVENTEEN a million certification for their 2023 mini album "SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN" (over 1 million units shipped), while BOYNEXTDOOR, NEXZ, and PLAVE each claimed gold status. BOYNEXTDOOR's "HOME" crossed 100,000 units shipped, NEXZ's "Hellmate" EP did the same, and PLAVE's "Caligo Pt.2" reached the gold threshold. (via Soompi)
K-pop dominates Billboard World Albums Chart. ATEEZ's "GOLDEN HOUR: Part.5" returned to No. 1 in its third non-consecutive week, while CORTIS's "GREENGREEN" climbed to No. 2 in its 12th week on the chart. Yeonjun's solo "NO LABELS: PART 02" held No. 3, LE SSERAFIM's "PUREFLOW" stayed at No. 4, and BTS's "Proof" anthology remained at No. 5 in its 215th week. (via Soompi)
Artists and groups
AB6IX's Kim Dong Hyun signs with AER Entertainment
AB6IX member Kim Dong Hyun signed an exclusive contract with AER Entertainment on August 3, according to TVDaily. The agency, a subsidiary of Story J Company, currently represents actress Jin Kyung and KARA member Han Seung Yeon. Kim Dong Hyun plans to prioritize his acting career with the new management. (via Soompi)
Tours and events
Jennie unveils unreleased track at Lollapalooza finale
Jennie performed her debut single "Less Than a Lover" for the first time live at Lollapalooza Chicago on August 3, the day she made history as the first solo Korean female artist to headline the festival. The BLACKPINK member surprised the crowd with an unreleased track during her set on the main stage, then announced her next appearance at Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan from August 14-16. (via Korea Herald)
