Discover the Hottest New Tunes from Asia's Rising Music Stars

Tired of the same old summer hits? Eager to expand your musical horizons? Look no further than this curated selection of 12 captivating new songs by Asian artists that are sure to energize your summer playlist. From K-pop sensations to indie darlings, these diverse tracks offer a refreshing blend of genres and styles that will have you dancing, grooving, and discovering your new favorite tune.

Elevate Your Summer Soundtrack with Asia's Hottest New Releases

Afgan and Jessi's Summery Collaboration: "Escape"

Indonesian superstar Afgan has teamed up with K-hip-hop icon Jessi for the infectious single "Escape," the focus track from his second English-language album Sonder. Afgan, who has previously collaborated with the likes of Robin Thicke and Jackson Wang, explains that the song represents the universal need for "some sort of escapism with the right companion just to re-energize" from the demands of life in the public eye. With its breezy melody and Afgan's smooth vocals blending seamlessly with Jessi's dynamic delivery, "Escape" is the perfect soundtrack for your summer getaway.

Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster's Indie Rock Masterpiece: "Young Man"

After a four-year hiatus, Korean indie rock legends Hyukoh have returned with a sonic masterpiece in the form of their new album AAA. Collaborating with acclaimed Taiwanese indie dream pop band Sunset Rollercoaster, who also hadn't released an album in four years, the result is a captivating fusion of the two groups' distinct styles. The album's lead single, "Young Man," stands out with its dark yet hopeful lyrics about death, struggle, and resilience, set against an uplifting melody that has resonated deeply with K-indie fans.

Chuu's Bubbly Earworm: "Strawberry Rush"

Since departing the embattled K-pop girl group Loona in 2022, Chuu has quickly established herself as a solo force to be reckoned with. Her second solo album's title track, "Strawberry Rush," is a delightfully bubbly and feel-good anthem that showcases Chuu's vibrant personality and vocal prowess. With its refreshing vibe, energetic tempo, and imaginative lyrics, "Strawberry Rush" is the perfect summer jam that celebrates Chuu's newfound creative freedom as the cosmic heroine in her own story.

HOA's Homage to The Beatles: "I Don't Know Why"

South Korean indie rock band HOA is taking listeners on a trip back in time with their latest EP, "I Don't Know Why," which pays tribute to one of their greatest influences: The Beatles. Consisting of Lim Jinhwa, Kim Hwi, Kim Kyumock, and Jeong Jongbeom, the quartet has been gaining attention online for their covers of 60s rock legends, and their original tracks on the new EP showcase their ability to seamlessly blend their own sound with the timeless influence of The Fab Four. With this release, HOA has caught the eye of American record labels, hinting at a bright future for the rising indie act.

SAAY's Powerful Exploration of Success and Anxiety: "DOMINO"

Korean R&B artist SAAY is a true multi-talented powerhouse, having written, composed, and produced for K-pop stars like TWICE, aespa, and THE BOYZ, as well as collaborated with acclaimed artists like Snoop Dogg and Crush. In her latest single, "DOMINO," SAAY delves into the precariousness of success and the anxiety that comes with knowing that just one misstep can undo everything. With her signature blend of R&B, pop, and electronic elements, SAAY delivers a thought-provoking track that resonates with the challenges of navigating the music industry.

Lee Young-ji and D.O.'s Delightful Duet: "Small Girl"

Rapping prodigy Lee Young-ji teams up with actor and singer Doh Kyung-soo (D.O. of the famous K-pop group EXO) for the delightful, groovy duet "Small Girl." Showcasing a softer side of her musical persona, Lee Young-ji croons about her "small girl fantasy" in warm, husky tones, while D.O. answers with his signature soulful voice. The track's blend of Lee Young-ji's powerful presence and D.O.'s emotive delivery has made it a chart-topping hit in South Korea.

KUN's Experimental Collaboration with Versace: "Afterglow"

As the newly named Global Ambassador for Versace, Chinese singer-songwriter and music producer KUN has collaborated with the luxury brand on his latest single, "Afterglow." Blending electronic instrumentals with his rock-infused vocals, KUN has crafted an experimental piece that reflects his journey as a musician and performing artist. Drawing inspiration from the fashion world, KUN has seamlessly incorporated his personal taste and exploration of different genres into this modern, genre-bending track.

AleXa's Pop-Punk Anthem: "Distraction"

K-pop star AleXa is embracing her pop-punk era with the release of "Distraction," a hard-hitting rock banger that serves as a reminder to her listeners to recognize their self-worth and not settle for being anyone's second choice. The half-Korean Oklahoma native, who has already won NBC's American Song Contest and become the first woman of Korean descent to present at the Billboard Music Awards, continues to push the boundaries of K-pop with her bold, genre-blending sound.

NewJeans' Retro Bop: "Supernatural"

Despite the ongoing internal feud between their label ADOR and parent company HYBE, the powerhouse K-pop girl group NewJeans has continued to deliver hit after hit, earning the admiration of their global fanbase. Their latest single, "Supernatural," marks the group's first foray into the Japanese market, and it's a classic throwback to 90s K-pop, steeped in New Jack Swing and featuring smooth vocals and a reinterpreted sample of Pharrell Williams' 2009 single "Back of My Mind."

Jimin's Collaboration with Loco: "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band"

As BTS member Jimin prepares to release his solo album Muse, he has teamed up with Korean rapper Loco for the single "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band." The song, which references the fictional "smeraldo" flower from the BTS universe and the date of the group's debut performance, features driving drum beats, an upbeat chorus, and Jimin's sweet vocals. The track has already achieved impressive chart success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart and landing in the top 10 on other Billboard charts, further solidifying Jimin's enduring popularity.

BE:FIRST and ATEEZ's Trilingual Collaboration: "Hush-Hush"

This epic collaboration brings together one of Japan's hottest boy bands, BE:FIRST, and one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world, ATEEZ. The trilingual track "Hush-Hush" showcases the impressive talents of both acts, with BE:FIRST's J-pop sensibilities and ATEEZ's dynamic performance skills seamlessly blending to create a captivating musical experience. The collaboration is a testament to the growing global reach and influence of Asian music, as these two powerhouse acts continue to make waves on the international stage.

Lee Chae-yeon's Breakup Anthem: "Don't"

K-pop phenom Lee Chae-yeon, known for her mesmerizing live performances, showcases her well-rounded artistry in the music video for "Don't," a catchy dance-pop number that explores the conflicting emotions typically experienced after a breakup. Featuring the name "Charlie" as a representation of her dark and lonely side, the track highlights Lee Chae-yeon's versatility as a singer, rapper, dancer, and creative force, solidifying her status as a rising star in the K-pop industry.