2PM to release album in Korea later this year

Cover of 2PM's Japanese debut single "Take Off" [JYP Entertainment]

K-pop idols 2PM will return to the local music scene with a new album later this year, according to their agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE).

"2PM will begin working on their new record once they return to Korea on May 21," a PR official from JYPE told 10Asia over the phone on Friday, adding that it will be released during the latter half of this year.

She then explained that the members are currently in Japan promoting their Japanese debut single "Take Off," which was released in the country on May 18.

The official went onto say that the boys recently wrapped up their first concert tour in Japan to promote their single and past hit songs as well as making a cameo appearance on Fuji TV's drama "Boss 2." "They took part in shooting for the show in mid-May while the episode is scheduled to air next week."

2PM debuted in Japan in last November by releasing their DVD “Hottest ∼ 2PM 1st MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION & The History ∼" followed by their showcase in December which attracted over 25,000 local fans.

They also made an appearance on Japan's Mezamashi TV in February, performed at the fashion show for Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) in March, topped Japan's USEN weekly music chart and lyrics search website uta-net.com's with "Take Off" and released the ending theme song for Japanese animation "Blue Exorcist" last month.

Composed of members Nichkhun, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung, Junsu and Taecyeon, 2PM has been one of the most popular boy bands in Korea since their debut in 2008, holding numerous hits under their belt including “10 out of 10,” “Again & Again,” “Only You” and “Heartbeat.”

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Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@