ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Renowned solo artists are making a comeback with fresh albums in the upcoming year.
Singer-songwriter IU is gearing up to release her first album in two years. Despite dedicating her time to acting since the release of the special mini-album Pieces in December 2021, IU has confirmed her return to the music scene in the coming year.
Appearing on BTS bandmate Suga’s YouTube talk show Suchwita on December 26 last year, IU said she will hold her first overseas concert tour in four years, since the Love, Poem tour in 2019. Through her personal YouTube channel, IU said she will be leaving the country in January to finish her new album. She had already filmed the new song’s music video with V of BTS.
G-Dragon, who was recently vindicated of allegations involving illegal drug use, founded an agency and officially confirmed his return.
G-Dragon has not released a new album since his second mini album, Kwon Ji Yong in 2017, due to various controversies surrounding his group Big Bang and his military service.
As of the end of last year, all his Big Bang bandmates had also left YG Entertainment.
G-Dragon’s new agency, Galaxy Corp, held a press conference on December 21, 2023, and announced the artist’s plan to establish an anti-drug foundation – JusPeace Foundation – as well as his comeback to the music scene.
“I will make a comeback to fulfil my responsibilities as an artist as well as my social responsibilities,” said G-Dragon through a statement issued at the press conference.
Meanwhile, Korean legend Cho Yong-pil will return with his 20th full-length album. For Cho, 2024 will mark 56 years since his debut. Originally, the 20th full-length album was scheduled to be released in 2023 but it is said to have been delayed due to his efforts to make the perfect album.
