Return (iKon album)

Last updated
Return
IKon - Return.png
Digital and Red version cover
Studio album by
iKon
ReleasedJanuary 25, 2018 (2018-01-25)
Genre
Length42:51
Language Korean
Label YG
Producer B.I
iKon chronology
New Kids: Begin
(2017)		Return
(2018)		 New Kids: Continue
(2018)
Singles from Return
  1. "Love Scenario"
    Released: January 25, 2018

Return (also known as New Kids: Return) is the second studio album by South Korean male group iKon. It was released on January 25, 2018, and is the second of the group's four-part album series, The New Kids . [1] iKon's leader B.I was credited as the only record producer of the album. The album contains 12 songs including the hit lead single "Love Scenario", all written or co-written by B.I.

Contents

Background

After releasing their debut album Welcome Back in 2015, the group went on several tours for two years, embarking on their first Asia tour and two Japanese tours, including Japan Dome tour, the group sold over 800,000 tickets from these tours, breaking several records for a rookie artist, including being the fastest group to host a concert in a Japan dome since debut. [2] [3] [4] [5] During touring the group released two singles, "WYD?" and "New Kids: Begin".

In September 2017, iKON had confirmed to have filmed new music videos, Yang Hyun Suk shared a video of the group shooting a music video on his personal social media account on September 20. [6] The following month the members stated that they were working on music and would release it soon. [7] [8] In December, YG Entertainment announced that the group would make their comeback in January 2018, Yang shared another teaser of music video filming through his social media. [9] [10] On January 6, iKON released a comeback teaser film, where the title of the album Return was revealed. The film was directed by VM Project Architecture, and included monologue from member Bobby. iKON stated they chose the album name because it conveys the feeling of looking back at their starting point and initial intentions. [11] [12] [13] On January 12, YG Entertainment revealed the first poster with the official release date through their official blog. [14] The following day they announced the lead single "Love Scenario". [15] The tracklist was later revealed, with eight new tracks and four Korean versions of songs previously released in Japan. B.I was credited as the lead writer and producer for all 12 songs, with other YG artists and producers who worked on the album, including Psy, Tablo, Choice37, Teddy Park, Bekuh BOOM, Millennium, Yoo Gun-hyung, and others. [16]

Release and promotion

The album was made available for pre-order on January 18. The album was released digitally on January 25, while the physical release occurred on January 26. The album has two different versions, Red and Black, with a 120-page photo book, 8 postcards, photo cards, selfie cards, and photo films, while limited quantities produced in initial production included a poster. [13]

iKON held a live broadcast via Naver V Live, 19 hours prior to their new album release, with the number of viewers surpassing 200,000. The group were also guests on JTBC’s Knowing Bros and MBC Every 1’s Weekly Idol to promote the album. [17] [18] iKON performed "Love Scenario" for the first time on MBC TV's Show! Music Core on January 27. [19] The group held a series of fan signing events in South Korea to promote the album. [20] They also announced their first fan-meeting event in South Korea, under YG's Private Stage, a new fan-meeting brand that aims for high-quality performances based on communication between artists and fans. The fan meeting was held on March 11 at Olympic Hall. [21]

The group recorded their first reality show titled "iKON TV" which showcases behind-the-scenes stories of the members. [22]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IZM [23] Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
The Star [24] Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg

Billboard praised the title song "Love Scenario", saying "“Love Scenario” is guided by a gentle cowbell-style beat and swaying vocals. The song relays a mellow, yet relatively upbeat, reaction to breaking up, with a circuitous melody that guides the rhythmic dance track. It's more emotional than their boisterous most-recent singles, and serves as a subtle directional change and maturing for iKON." [25] "Love Scenario" was also chosen as Apple Music's Best of the Week. [19]

Chester Chin from The Star praised the diverse of the album, saying "new musical direction adds another dimension to iKON’s artistry", and notice how the band music direction changed from "loud and aggressive sound" to more "toned down pop pieces with some hip-hop and soft rock stylings." [24]

Commercial performance

In South Korea, Return debuted at 2 on the Gaon Album Chart. [26] In Japan, with two days in sales, the Korean version of the album debuted at 4 on Oricon's weekly digital chart, selling 1,500. The following week it charted at 20 and sold 510 copies. The album debuted at 12 on the physical weekly chart, selling 5,442. [27] [28] On Billboard Japan, the album charted at 5 on top download albums, and 23 on hot albums. [29] [30] In the United States, the album charted at 4 on Billboard World Albums and 12 on Top Heatseekers albums. [31] [32]

Upon its release, "Love Scenario" topped China's QQ Music's real-time chart. It also entered the top 10 on QQ Music's weekly chart. In South Korea, the song debuted at 12 on the Gaon Weekly Chart. [33] [34] [35] It has topped the chart for six weeks, the first artist to achieve this milestone.

Awards and nominations

MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2018ReturnDigital Album of the Year [36] Nominated

Melon Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2018ReturnAlbum of the Year [37] Nominated

Track listing

No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Love Scenario" (사랑을 했다; Sarang-eul haetda)
  • B.I
  • Millennium
  • Seung
Millennium3:29
2."Beautiful"
  • Choice37
  • Teddy
3:15
3."One and Only" (B.I solo; 돗대; Dotdae)B.I
  • Choice37
  • B.I
Choice373:26
4."Jerk" (나쁜놈; nappeunnom)
  • B.I
  • Bobby
  • B.I
  • Kang Uk-Jin
Kang Uk-Jin3:43
5."Best Friend"
  • B.I
  • Lee Jung Hyun
Future Bounce3:50
6."Everything"
  • Psy
  • Yoo Gun-hyung
3:34
7."Hug Me" (안아보자; an-aboja)
  • B.I
  • Bobby
Tablo3:36
8."Don't Forget" (잊지마요; ij-jimayo)
  • B.I
  • Bobby
  • Kim Joon
  • B.I
  • Kang Uk-jin
  • Diggy
  • Kang Uk-jin
  • Diggy
4:13
Special bonus tracks
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
9."Sinosijak" (시노시작; sino sijag)
  • B.I
  • Bobby
  • B.I
  • Kang Uk-jin
Kang Uk-jin3:08
10."Love Me" (나를 사랑하지 않나요?; nareul saranghaji anhnayo?)
Choice373:28
11."Just Go"B.I
  • Kang Uk-jin
  • B.I
Kang Uk-jin3:36
12."Long Time No See"
  • B.I
  • Bobby
Choice373:26
Total length:42:51

Charts

Release history

CountryDate Label(s) FormatRef.
VariousJanuary 25, 2018 YG Digital download [13]
South KoreaJanuary 26, 2018 CD
JapanJanuary 27, 2018 YGEX Digital download [40]
March 14, 2018CD, DVD [41]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Park Bom</span> South Korean singer (born 1984)

Park Bom, previously known mononymously as Bom, is a South Korean singer. She is best known as a member of the South Korean girl group 2NE1.

<i>Tonight</i> (BigBang EP) 2011 EP by Big Bang

Tonight is the fourth extended play of South Korean boy band Big Bang. It was their first new material released in South Korea after two-year hiatus as a group. Upon its release, the album and its lead single of the same name became a chart-topper in various South Korean and international music charts. It was released on February 24, 2011, under YG Entertainment. A repackaged edition titled Big Bang Special Edition was released on April 8, 2011, and featured a new track "Love Song" as the lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got7</span> South Korean boy band

Got7 is a South Korean boy band formed by JYP Entertainment. The group is composed of seven members: Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom. Got7 debuted in January 2014 with the release of their first EP Got It?, which peaked at number two on the Gaon Album Chart and number one on Billboard's World Albums Chart. The group gained attention also for their live performances, which often include elements of martial arts tricking and street dancing.

<i>Crush</i> (2NE1 album) 2014 studio album by 2NE1

Crush is the second and final studio album by South Korean girl group 2NE1. It was released on February 27, 2014, by YG Entertainment. The album marked the group's first Korean album release since 2NE1 2nd Mini Album (2011) and their first studio album in four years following To Anyone (2010). Crush was produced by Teddy, Choice 37, Dee.P, Masta Wu, Choi Pil-kang and Peejay, as well as group leader CL. Stylistically, the album incorporates a broad range of musical influences from R&B, hip hop, dance, electronic, and reggae.

<i>Mamacita</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Super Junior

Mamacita is the seventh Korean studio album of South Korean boy band Super Junior. It was released on September 1, 2014, by SM Entertainment and was released online on August 29, 2014. This is their first Korean album since Sexy, Free & Single was released in 2012. On October 16, 2014, it was announced that a special version of the album, named This is Love, would be released on October 27, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.I (rapper)</span> South Korean rapper (1996)

Kim Han-bin, known professionally as B.I (Korean: 비아이) is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer. He debuted in the South Korean boy band IKon under YG Entertainment in September 2015. On June 12, 2019, he departed from the group due to drug allegations. During his time with the group, he played a significant role in the production and songwriting of their music, and is credited as the sole record producer for all of the group's releases. His contributions to iKon's second studio album, Return, for the lead single "Love Scenario", earned him the prestigious "Songwriter of the Year" award at the 2018 Melon Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby (rapper)</span> South Korean musician (born 1995)

Kim Ji-won, known by his stage name Bobby (Korean: 바비) is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and member of iKon. In 2016, he formed a sub-unit with Mino under the name MOBB. He is best known for finishing in first place on Mnet's survival show Show Me The Money 3.

iKon South Korean boy band

iKon (Korean: 아이콘), stylized as iKON, is a South Korean boy band formed in 2015 by YG Entertainment. The lineup consists of six members: Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan. Originally a seven-piece band, B.I departed from the group in June 2019.

<i>Welcome Back</i> (iKon album) 2015 studio album by iKon

Welcome Back is the debut studio album by South Korean male group iKon. The full album was initially planned to be released on November 2, 2015. However, on October 27, 2015, YG Entertainment announced that the release of the full album would be delayed. The album was released on December 24, 2015, along with additional music videos than previously planned. Additionally, two digital singles along with accompanying music videos were released on November 16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koo Jun-hoe</span> South Korean singer

Koo Jun-hoe, also known by the stage name Ju-ne, is a South Korean singer and actor. He is a member of boy group iKon under 143 Entertainment. He has made appearances on survival programs WIN: Who Is Next and Mix & Match in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

KNK is a South Korean boy band formed in 2016. KNK is an initialism which stands for K-pop knock, meaning "to knock on the door of K-pop with their music." They held their debut showcase on February 29, 2016, and officially released their debut single album titled Knock on March 3, 2016. The group currently consists of four members, Inseong, Jihun, Dongwon and Hyunjong.

<i>Fate Number For</i> 2017 single album by Winner

Fate Number For is the first single album by South Korean boy group Winner. It marks the first comeback for the group as four members, after the departure of Nam Tae-hyun in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WYD (song)</span> 2016 single by iKON

"#WYD" is a song by South Korean boy group iKon. The single was released by YG Entertainment on May 30, 2016. The song is the first release after their debut album in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As If It's Your Last</span> 2017 single by Blackpink

"As If It's Your Last" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It was released as a standalone single through YG Entertainment on June 22, 2017. The song was written by Teddy Park, Brother Su and Choice37, whilst production was handled by Future Bounce, Teddy Park and Lydia Paek. Musically, "As If It's Your Last" is a synth-pop, house, reggae and moombahton song with its lyrics revolving around finding and losing love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Scenario</span> 2018 single by iKon

"Love Scenario" is a song recorded by South Korean boy group iKon. It was released as the lead single of their second studio album, Return. The song won "Song of the Year" at the 2018 Melon Music Awards and 33rd Golden Disc Awards. It is recognized as iKon's signature song.

<i>Square Up</i> 2018 EP by Blackpink

Square Up is the first Korean extended play by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It was released on June 15, 2018 by YG Entertainment. The EP is available in two physical versions and contains four tracks, with "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" released as the lead single. The song peaked at number one in South Korea for three weeks and became the highest-charting song by a female K-pop act in the United States and United Kingdom at the time. The track "Forever Young" was later promoted on Korean music programs and peaked at number two in South Korea.

iKon 2018 Continue Tour 2018–19 concert tour by iKON

iKON 2018 Continue Tour is the first world tour by South Korean boy band iKON, in support of second studio album Return. The tour is set to visit South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia, with more countries to be announced. The tour began on August 18, 2018 in Seoul at KSPO Dome

<i>New Kids: The Final</i> 2018 EP by iKON

New Kids: The Final is the second extended play by South Korean boy band iKON. It is the final installment of the group's four-part album series following the single album New Kids: Begin and extended play New Kids: Continue. It was released by YG Entertainment on October 1, 2018. The mini-album includes a total of four tracks.

<i>24°C</i> 2019 EP by Lee Hi

24°C is the first EP by South Korean singer and songwriter Lee Hi, released on May 30, 2019, through YG Entertainment. It is Lee's first release since her three-year hiatus following the release of her studio album in 2016. The EP features the lead single "No One" (누구없소). It is Lee Hi's final release under YG Entertainment.

<i>I Decide</i> 2020 EP by iKON

I Decide is the third extended play by South Korean boy band iKON. It is the first release of the band since the departure of B.I on June 12, 2019. It was released by YG Entertainment on February 6, 2020. The mini-album includes a total of five tracks, including the lead single "Dive".

References

  1. ↑ "iKON completes New Kids series". koreaherald. October 1, 2018.
  2. ↑ "iKON、熱狂のツアーファイナルでファンに接近 Wアンコールまで全力25曲＜セットリスト＞". Model Press. 7 October 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  3. ↑ "iKON、アンコール公演＜iKON JAPAN TOUR 2016～2017＞開催決定". Japan Music Network. 14 November 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  4. ↑ "iKON（アイコン）、大好評のアリーナツアーを受けアンコール公演開催決定！". TSUTAYA. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  5. ↑ "아이콘, 日투어 31만 3천명 동원…고베서 대미 장식" . Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Yang Hyun Suk Teases iKon's Comeback With Sneak Peak[sic] Of New Music Video". Soompi. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  7. ↑ "iKON say they plan on making a comeback soon". Allkpop. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  8. ↑ "iKON's Donghyuk Shares Update On Comeback Plans". Soompi. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  9. ↑ "[단독] "YG남매 출격" 아이콘·블랙핑크, 내년 1월 가요계 컴백". Osen. 9 December 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Yang Hyun Suk Shares A Sneak Peek At iKON's Comeback MV". Soompi. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  11. ↑ "iKON - 2nd ALBUM 'RETURN' TEASER FILM : DIRECTOR'S CUT". iKON Youtube Page. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  12. ↑ "공식] 아이콘, 정규 2집 'RETURN' 발매 확정…2년 만에 컴백". Chosun. 6 January 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  13. 1 2 3 "아이콘 '리턴' 18일 예약판매 시작..26일 오프라인 발매". Star News. 18 January 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  14. ↑ "[OFFICIAL] iKON Confirmed to Make Comeback on January 25… "Will Focus on Promotion in Korea"". YG Life. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  15. ↑ "iKON Returns in 2 Years… Title Track 'LOVE SCENARIO'". YG Life. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  16. ↑ "#iKON '2nd ALBUM : #RETURN' TRACKLIST". YG Family. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  17. ↑ ""이례적 행보" 아이콘, 24일 첫 컴백 VLIVE 방송 확정". xportsnews. 19 January 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  18. ↑ "[V라이브 종합] "하트수 2억1천만" 아이콘, 팬들이 간절히 기다린 컴백 D-1". Chosun. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  19. 1 2 "iKON's 'LOVE SCENARIO' at No. 1 For 2 Days… First Performance Today (27th) At 'Music Core'". YG Life. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Behind Story From iKON's First Fan Signing Event For Their 2nd Album, "Will Get Closer to Fans"". YG Life. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  21. ↑ "iKON Reveals Their First Official Fan-Meeting Poster… Will Be Held on March 11". YG Life. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  22. ↑ "'Love Scenario' singers iKON get reality show". Korea JoongAng Daily. March 13, 2018.
  23. ↑ "iKON - Return: Album Review". IZM (in Korean). Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  24. 1 2 Chin, Chester (March 2, 2018). "'Return': What an iKON-ic K-pop comeback". The Star.
  25. ↑ "iKon 'Return' with New Album & 'Love Scenario' Single". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  26. 1 2 "Gaon Album Chart – Week 4, 2018". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  27. 1 2 "Billboard Japan Download Albums– February 5, 2018". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  28. 1 2 "週間 CDアルバムランキング 2018年02月12日付". Oricon. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  29. 1 2 "Oricon Weekly Digital Album Chart – February 5, 2018". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  30. 1 2 "Billboard Japan Hot Albums– February 5, 2018". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  31. 1 2 "World Albums: Return". Billboard .
  32. 1 2 "Heatseekers Albums: Return". Billboard .
  33. ↑ "Gaon 2018년 04주차 Digital Chart". Gaon. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  34. ↑ "QQ Music: Love Scenario".
  35. ↑ ""돌아온 음원강자" 아이콘, '사랑을 했다' 6일째 1위". Chosun. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  36. ↑ "2018 MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards Announces Nominees + Voting Begins". Soompi. October 1, 2018.
  37. ↑ "2018 Melon Music Awards Announces Nominees + Voting Begins". Soompi. November 14, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Top Albums Téléchargés". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. January 31, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  39. ↑ "2018년 Album Chart". Gaon. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  40. ↑ "iKON 2nd ALBUM「RETURN -KR EDITION-」1/27(土)日本配信開始決定！！". YGEX iKON (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  41. ↑ "『RETURN -KR EDITION-』3月14日(水)日本国内盤リリース決定！". YGEX iKON (in Japanese). Retrieved February 3, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.