NEWBEAT to Release World’s First ‘VR Album’
K-pop group NEWBEAT is making history as the first artist in the world to release a new album in virtual reality (VR) format.
On October 28 at 2 p.m., NEWBEAT (Park Minseok, Hong Minseong, Jeon Yeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhoo, and Kim Riu) began pre-orders for their first mini album, “LOUDER THAN EVER,” through various online music platforms. The album will be released in 13 versions, including two photobook editions, two jewel case editions, three photocard versions (featuring seven individual member versions), and the groundbreaking VR edition.
The VR album, designed to be experienced in an immersive virtual environment, allows fans to enjoy NEWBEAT’s new tracks through various VR music video formats — including on-site performance versions, dance practice room versions, Connecting Signal 2 stage versions, and rooftop performance versions.
What makes NEWBEAT’s release particularly noteworthy is that it marks the first time in the world an artist has launched an entirely new album in VR format. Previous so-called “VR albums” typically featured post-release VR remasters of existing hits or were initially released as standard albums before adding VR content.
Ahead of the release, NEWBEAT has steadily built anticipation through cinematic comeback showcases, appearances at major events such as KCON LA and the 2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletics Championships, and consistent exposure of VR-related content. Rather than a one-off experiment, the VR album represents the culmination of a long-term promotional strategy.
This innovation and rarity have generated explosive interest among global fans. As pre-orders opened, demand for the VR version surged worldwide, with some online retailers already reporting sold-out stock, underscoring NEWBEAT’s growing global influence.
“LOUDER THAN EVER” marks NEWBEAT’s first comeback in eight months following their March full-length album “RAW AND RAD.” Produced in Los Angeles alongside international collaborators, the album features all-English lyrics, showcasing the group’s ambition to expand its global reach.
NEWBEAT’s first mini album “LOUDER THAN EVER” will be officially released on November 6 at 12 p.m. (KST) across major online music platforms.
Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun
