YOASOBI
Courtesy Billboard JapanJ-pop duo YOASOBI are set to release a new single called “Tsubame” on Oct. 25.
The track is being featured as theme of NHK's SDGs TV series for children Hirogare! Irotoridori, a show that introduces projects and special programs that make learning about Sustainable Development Goals fun and accessible.
The title of the song means “swallow” and it was written based on a Japanese story with a title that translates to “A Little Swallow's Big Dream" by Nana Otsutsuki. The story won the grand prize in the TV show’s project that invited submissions to collaborate with the breakout male-female duo to write a new future-themed song.
The jacket artwork is by Ai Niina (name in Japanese order, surname first), a rising young visual artist who has created YOASOBI’s animated music video for their monster hit “Yoru ni kakeru” and more. The new illustration vibrantly depicts the swallow from the story soaring towards the city in the distance, and the music video for the song will also feature her distinctive animation.
KATSEYE have officially begun a fresh chapter with the announcement of their forthcoming single, Pinky Up.
The K-pop girl group sparked curiosity online after sharing a string of mysterious posts that quickly had fans trying to piece together the clues.
The first teaser, posted on March 30, featured the Mona Lisa gently raising a hot cup of tea with her pinky finger lifted. The next video, uploaded the next day, showed an arcade claw machine labeled with the group’s name pulling a sword from a mix of sparkling plush toys and a single teacup. Making things even more intriguing, the caption stated: “We’re screaming from cloud nine!!”
Their third update finally revealed the song title along with its cover art. The image showed a figure kneeling on a rug next to a teacup and a toy cat, while the title appeared in bright hot pink text across the visual. The group also confirmed the release date as April 9.
Pinky Up will arrive just one day before KATSEYE appear at Coachella on April 10, which will mark their first time performing at the famous festival.
The single also marks their first comeback since HYBE and Geffen confirmed that member Manon Bannerman would be stepping away for a period of time to prioritize her “health and well being.”
In a message posted on Weverse, they shared: "Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing."
The group expressed that they “fully support this decision,” and added: “KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. We look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
While she is away, the group will continue promotions with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung.
They closed their message by saying: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
