The first week of July will be a busy one for the music industry as major groups such as Super Junior, 2NE1, Wooyoung of 2PM and ZE:A release their latest work.

Known to many as Asia’s “Emperor Gwanggaeto,” Super Junior released its sixth album on July 1 and will perform on “Mcountdown” for its comeback show on July 5.

“It is a new performance with modern house-style music. It will be a ‘war of stars’ with all the major groups making comebacks, but we will do our best to comply with fans’ love and encouragement,” Lee Teuk, leader of Super Junior, said in an interview with a local daily.

Gang-in, a member of Super Junior who was recently discharged from mandatory military service, also joined the team for the album. SM, the group’s entertainment company, released a teaser photo for the album “Sexy, Free & Single” featuring the members in heavy make-up and contemplative poses. Several renowned choreographers including Devin Jamieson, who worked with Michael Jackson and Lyle Beniga, also worked on the 13-member group’s new album.

JYP is releasing solo albums from two singers of the company’s main groups. Jo Kwon of 2AM had his first solo performance on June 29 on KBS’ “Music Bank” and Wooyoung of 2PM will release his EP album on July 8. Wooyoung had his solo debut on Mnet’s “20’s Choice” on June 28 at the Oasis at Banyan Tree Club & Spa. He premiered songs “2NIGHT” and “Sexy Lady” sporting dramatic white hair. Wooyoung worked with rapper and producer Swiss Beatz on his new album.

2NE1 will appear on an SBS music program on July 8 after a year-long break. The four-member girl group always in the spotlight for its fashion sense is once again getting attention for Park Sandara’s new hairstyle ― she has completely shaved the left side of her head. YG Entertainment announced on its official blog that 2NE1 will release its new single, “I Love You,” on July 5. The girl group will start its global tour “New Evolution” with a concert on July 28 at Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena and will travel to 10 cities in seven countries. 

ZE:A (Children of Empire) released its new album’s teaser music video on June 29. The nine-member group’s new album “Spectacular” includes “Side-effect,” partially released in the group’s teaser music video. The group featured a new dandy-inspired wardrobe in the video. ZE:A will have its grand showcase at Yonsei University Centennial Hall on July 3.

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter (lhj137@heraldcorp.com)