JENNIE’s “Less Than a Lover” and KATSEYE’s “Animal” are leading this week’s K-pop release rush, giving fans two sharply different music video moods in one Friday drop. JENNIE leans into a sun-soaked, emotional romance, while KATSEYE pushes forward with a bolder pre-release ahead of its next EP.
For anyone trying to catch up on new K-pop songs in one scroll, these are the essential headlines. The bigger story is the contrast: BLACKPINK’s JENNIE is spotlighting a softer solo side, while KATSEYE is building momentum for WILD with a high-profile songwriting credit.
JENNIE “Less Than a Lover” Starts the Week
JENNIE released “Less Than a Lover” on July 24 as her first solo release since her debut album Ruby. The wistful track was written and composed by JENNIE, who also took part in directing its music video.
Shot in Girona, Spain, the visual follows a summer romance in which JENNIE’s character decides to remain a little less than a lover. Its acoustic-leaning sound and intimate concept offer a gentler lane from the solo star, without turning the release into a full comeback-album announcement.
KATSEYE Goes Fierce With “Animal”
KATSEYE’s “Animal” arrives as a pre-release single from the group’s upcoming EP, WILD. The release follows the group’s joint “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” project with fellow HYBE girl groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT.
The track drew extra U.S. pop interest through Ed Sheeran’s co-writing credit, while its music video includes a reported cameo from actress Demi Moore. With Animal, KATSEYE is adding another distinct visual chapter before the full WILD rollout lands.
Eight More K-Pop Songs for Your Queue
JENNIE and KATSEYE may be the major names in this week’s New Music Friday conversation, but the wider release list has plenty for listeners who want more than two videos on repeat. Summer pop, trot, R&B and rap all show up in the supporting picks.
- fromis_9 returns with the bright summer track “Vitamin ME.”
- BOL4 remakes Indigo’s nostalgic “Summer, please” with guitar by Jukjae.
- Picheolin, SEVENTEEN member Dino’s alter ego, shares the trot-flavored “Micheo Micheo.”
- J.Y. Park ends a long summer-music break with Waterbomb 2026 theme song “WET.”
- John Park brings jazzy vocals to “Summer Returns.”
- ARTMS previews its next mini album with “Born Stunner.”
For now, the next major date on the calendar is KATSEYE’s WILD EP release. JENNIE’s new single stands on its own, with no additional solo project confirmed in the available release details.