'The Queens' Summer Has Arrived'.. Girls, Red Velvet, RESCENE, Sunmi, 2026 Summer Queen War [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

This summer, the K-pop scene is heating up with a fierce competition for the title of 'Summer Queen.' From trusted solo divas to trending girl groups, artists are announcing their comebacks one after another, setting the stage for an intense battle.

The first to open the season was the group i-dle. On the 6th, they released their ninth mini-album 'We made,' with the title track 'Gimme Dat Love' showcasing their signature confident performances and addictive melodies as they aim once again for the top of the charts. Having demonstrated their presence every summer with hits like 'TOMBOY,' 'Queencard,' and 'Klaxon,' i-dle is now challenging for the 'Summer Queen' title once more.

Group fromis_9 is set to release their first full-length album after approximately three years on the 21st, targeting summer vibes. Having reached fifth place on Melon's Top 100 chart with last winter's 'White Longing,' setting a personal best and tying a record, they are now expected to fully join the 'Summer Queen' race by aiming for a representative summer hit.

Red Velvet, who returned as a full unit after a long break, cannot be overlooked. Having created iconic K-pop summer anthems like 'Red Flavor,' 'Power Up,' and 'Psycho,' anticipation is high for their upcoming mini-album 'Velvet Summer,' scheduled for release in August. The album will include five tracks, including the title song 'Surfin' Boy.'

Solo artists are also making significant impacts. Sunmi has joined the competition with her unique and unmistakable style. Known for generating buzz with new concepts and performances each time, she plans to deliver a distinctive 'Sunmi-style' summer song on the 15th through her new digital single 'Forever July,' featuring dreamy atmosphere and narrative elements.

Singer Hyolyn will release her fourth mini-album 'OriginaLyn' on the 22nd. Through the title track 'Check,' she aims to convey confidence and boldness, showcasing the qualities of a true 'Summer Queen' with explosive vocal power and dynamic performances.

The momentum of emerging 'Summer Queens' is also intense. KISS OF LIFE is rising as a top candidate for the next-generation 'Summer Queen,' quickly building their presence based on solid live performances and stage skills. Having already demonstrated their strength in summer music with tracks like 'Shhh' and 'Sticky,' they are expected to continue their upward trajectory with an August comeback.

Rookie group RESCENE is also emerging as a dark horse. Their mini-album 'SCENEDROME,' released in August 2024, featured the title track 'LOVE ATTACK,' which recently gained traction through reverse charting, highlighting their growing presence. Additionally, strong reactions continue to pour in for their remake single 'Pretty Girl,' released on the 8th. Attention is focused on whether RESCENE will emerge as a new variable in this year's 'Summer Queen' competition.

As artists representing different generations face off with their unique personalities and music this summer, interest centers on who will claim the crown of the '2026 Summer Queen.'

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*This content was translated by AI.