Best of July 2026

Photo: WONHO Official X

July 2026 was another strong month of comebacks for the K-Pop industry this year, potentially being one of my favorite months of new releases so far. From our favorite groups to our favorite solo artists, July had something stellar for everyone. Below are some of my favorite tracks that I have had on repeat since their release. 

“Mono” - i-dle, skaiwater

Originally released as a digital single in January, before making its way onto i-dle’s ninth EP, We made opening track “Mono” paves a way for a new direction in K-Pop, one centered on diversity and inclusivity, with lyrics that explicitly support the LGBTQ+ community and feature a non-binary artist in British rapper skaiwater. The song itself takes a minimalistic pop approach, becoming an anthem of self-love, acceptance, and empowerment that doesn't hide behind heavy production techniques; the message of "Mono" is loud and clear despite the arrangement being calm and steady, allowing a focus on i-dle's melodic vocals to directly get the message across and provide listeners with a place of unity and equality through music. 

“No More Disco” - Yeonjun

Following his breakthrough solo EP NO LABELS: PART 01 last year, Yeonjun returned with an exciting follow-up this July, NO LABELS: PART 02, taking on new genres and sounds that continue to display his versatile and distinctive nature as a solo artist. The fourth track “No More Disco” intertwines retro synths with a modern pop arrangement that gives the song an addictive early noughties vibe, fitting for a disco environment that simultaneously contradicts its title. For “No More Disco,” Yeonjun's vocals adopt an autotune effect that provides the song with an interesting yet divisive edge, one that draws listeners in and adds to its retro aspect, standing out as a fun and distinctive track on the album.

“Promises” - WONHO, BrotherSu

WONHO closes his latest mini-album CORE with the tender R&B ballad "Promises," a collaboration track featuring vocals from singer-songwriter and producer BrotherSu. After taking us to the club in the first half of the mini-album with the hard-hitting EDM and techno beats of the title track "Don't Wake Me Up!," "Promises" drives the listener home, stripping back the tempo with a smooth, sensual serenade. This serenade conjures an intimate atmosphere to fall in love in, with heartfelt lyrics and dulcet vocals that become encased inside a breathtaking vocal chemistry between WONHO and BrotherSu, with the two creating an unforgettable collaboration for the album.