Winter Albums in K-pop: EXO and Other Artists

Introduction to Winter Albums in K-pop

Winter albums in the K-pop industry have become a significant trend, offering fans unique holiday-themed music and special editions. While EXO is often associated with this tradition, they are by no means the only K-pop group to embrace the concept. This article aims to explore the trend beyond EXO, shedding light on other groups that have contributed to the rich tapestry of K-pop winter albums.

EXO: Pioneers of Winter Albums

EXO, a globally recognized K-pop group, has been at the forefront of releasing winter-themed albums annually since 2012. This tradition has not only strengthened their connection with fans but also popularized the idea of holiday-themed releases in the K-pop scene. However, other K-pop groups have also embraced this concept, albeit to varying degrees.

Other K-pop Groups Releasing Winter Albums

Although EXO has set a significant trend with their winter albums, many other K-pop groups have also released special winter-themed music, either as singles or entire albums. Here are some notable examples:

BTS

While BTS has not released a winter album as frequently as EXO, they have contributed to the trend with winter-themed songs. For instance, their song “ ??? (Sorry)” from the album COOL (2018) features elements of winter and is dedicated to the season. BTS’ approach to winter-themed music reflects the genre's versatility in incorporating seasonal themes.

Red Velvet

Released in 2019, Red Velvet’s winter-themed album Kisses received critical acclaim. This album included songs like “Ice Cream Cake” and “Wine.” Similarly, the group’s single “Russian Roulette” (2020) further cemented their reputation for holiday-themed releases. Their winter albums and singles have garnered a substantial fan following, highlighting their commitment to seasonal releases.

TWICE

TWICE, a multi-talented group, often releases winter songs, especially during the holiday season. For instance, their Japanese single “Bunnies” (2016) and the Korean single “Same Old Story” (2017) feature winter-themed elements. These songs, along with their Christmas-themed performances on various variety shows, demonstrate TWICE’s consistent contribution to the winter album trend in K-pop.

Winter Editions and Mini Albums

Some K-pop groups opt for more flexible approaches to winter releases, such as winter editions of existing albums or mini-albums. For example, Got7 released a Winter Edition of their MAD album in 2016, offering fans additional holiday-themed tracks. Similarly, ASTRO and MAMAMOO have released winter mini-albums, providing fans with fresh material that aligns with the holiday spirit.

Conclusion

While EXO is undeniably a pioneer in the winter album trend in K-pop, they are not the only group to embrace this concept. Many K-pop artists, including BTS, Red Velvet, TWICE, Got7, ASTRO, and MAMAMOO, have contributed to the trend through winter-themed releases. These releases not only enhance the genre's versatility but also strengthen the bond between artists and their fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Winter Albums In K-pop a New Trend?

No, winter albums in K-pop have been a popular trend for more than a decade. EXO’s annual tradition of releasing winter albums has helped to popularize this concept, but other groups have been contributing to the trend for years.

2. What Are Some Other Groups That Release Winter Albums?

Groups like BTS, Red Velvet, TWICE, Got7, ASTRO, and MAMAMOO have released winter albums or singles, often known for their winter-themed music.

3. Why Do K-pop Groups Release Winter Albums?

K-pop groups release winter albums as a way to engage with fans during the holiday season. This tradition also allows them to showcase their versatility and creativity through unique seasonal themes.

By exploring the rich history and current landscape of K-pop winter albums, we can appreciate the genre's depth and the ways in which artists connect with fans through special releases during the winter season.