A2O MAY Defines “Zalpha Pop” With New Debut EP PAPARAZZI ARRIVE
Photo: A2O Entertainment
The next-gen global girl group, A2O MAY, makes a bold return with their first EP, PAPARAZZI ARRIVE released Friday on all digital streaming platforms. The 14 track release not only introduces A2O Entertainment’s original genre, “Zalpha Pop”—a fusion of Gen Z and Gen Alpha influences—but also showcases the group’s versatility through a dynamic mix of pre-debut songs, unit performances, and solo tracks. Earlier this year, the quintet captured international attention as the first Chinese idol group to perform at iHeartRadio’s renowned Wango Tango festival, marking both their U.S. stage debut and a simultaneous American television appearance on KTLA.
The debut EP PAPARAZZI ARRIVE is anchored by its title track, “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE,” a bold showcase of A2O MAY’s “Zalpha Pop.” Built on a striking siren-like synth riff and dubstep-inspired electro beats, the song delivers a message of confidence and ambition through the group’s dynamic vocals. The project also includes their pre-debut single “Under My Skin (A2O),” the bass-driven “B.B.B,” the performance-focused “BOSS,” and the soulful R&B track “MELODY,” reflecting the group’s versatility and musical range.
The release further highlights individual members through solo and unit tracks. MICHE & KAT present “SWEAT,” a Latin-inspired song available in both English and Spanish; CHENYU delivers emotional depth in “Someone You Loved;” QUCHANG showcases her powerful range in “Black Sheep,” and SHIJIE adds smooth R&B flair with “Trip.” To extend their global reach, the title track also appears in English and Chinese versions, positioning A2O MAY as a rising force with international ambitions.
In just a few short months, A2O MAY has broken records and defied expectations in the U.S. Their pre-debut single “Under My Skin” made them the first Chinese group to enter the U.S. Top 40 Radio Chart, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. Their official debut single, “BOSS,” has now charted five consecutive weeks–rising from No. 35 to No. 32–marking their second U.S. Top 40 entry and the highest charting placement in history by a Chinese girl group. The track has also amassed over 30 million views across Weibo and YouTube, fueled by the viral Jump Rope Dance featured in its chorus. Released this past August, “B.B.B” topped the Daily New Songs Chart on China’s largest music platform, QQ Music, and earned A2O MAY the “Rookie Group of the Year ” award at the 2025 Weibo Music Awards, marking significant achievements for the group. With growing traction across both Asia and North America, A2O MAY is fast emerging as a leading powerhouse in global pop.
Backed by K-Pop pioneer Lee Sooman and launched under A2O Entertainment, A2O MAY is the first group to embody “Zalpha Pop”—a genre blending Gen Z emotions and Gen Alpha’s creativity. Their music fuses futuristic production with emotionally resonant storytelling, creating cultural bridges through sound and style. Highlighting their unprecedented debut, the group attended the star-studded Amazon Studios’ Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop premiere in Los Angeles, the feature documentary chronicling the enthralling life of a bold visionary. The red carpet sparkled with icons including Girls’ Generation members and TAEMIN from SHINee, sharing the spotlight with the rising group primed for global dominance.