Best of May 2026
Photo: XLOV Official X
May was another great month for K-Pop comebacks this year. There were many new songs to listen to from many of our favorite groups and solo artists, with different sounds and genres, providing something for everyone. Here are some of my favorites.
“TNT” - CORTIS
CORTIS opened their second EP, GREENGREEN, with the mighty “TNT," bursting through the system with a fierce yet composed energy that had me hooked from the get go. Infusing an alternative rock beat with addictive trap influences, "TNT" explodes with high determination and confidence as CORTIS approach the track with direct lyrics that take the listener on a journey, from where they started to where they hope to end up, with them wanting to take over the world with their music. Having only debuted close to one year ago, CORTIS are definitely ones to watch with the members and their music already ticking so many boxes amongst K-Pop enthusiasts, with GREENGREEN being another great release from CORTIS.
“Masterpiece” - XLOV
Every track to ever be made by XLOV, since their debut in January 2025, has been a masterpiece and now, their latest EP, I, God, has delivered the finest “Masterpiece” of all. The sixth track on the EP continues to serve high levels of pop excellence and sophistication, combining soft production features with a touch of house and vogue styles, being the perfect track for a fashion runway. As with any XLOV track, Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru captivate listeners with their hypnotic vocals, holding them under a charming vocal spell that makes them never want to exit out of XLOV's presence. XLOV truly is a breath of fresh air, with each new release making me more and more excited for what's to come in their future.
“B'yond Me” - Billlie
In comparison to other groups, I've not fully delved into the discography of Billlie but after hearing “B'yond Me,” the fifth track from their first full-length album, the collective soul and unconscious: chapter two, this will now be changing—I'm hooked. “B'yond Me” blows me away with its contemporary R&B and jazz arrangement. The way the members approach the track with gentle yet dynamic vocal abilities adds an extra layer of perfection to an already stunning track. The live session version of “B'yond Me” further enhances its richness, taking the song to another level that needs to be heard by all, with “B'yond Me” becoming one of my favorite K-Pop tracks to be released this year.