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Mark Exits NCT, 18 K-Pop Songs in "X.O Kitty", T.O.P Releases New Album

Plus... SEVENTEEN contract renewal, Manon removes KATSEYE from Instagram bio, AND2BLE debut, ENHYPEN world tour dates, and more.

“XO, Kitty” Season 3 Premieres on Netflix, Featuring 18 K-Pop Tracks

Photo credits: Youngsol Park

“XO, Kitty” Season 3 premiered on Netflix this Thursday, continuing its blend of teen drama and global pop culture with a strong emphasis on K-pop. The latest installment features 18 K-pop and K-pop-adjacent tracks woven throughout the season, further highlighting the show’s musical identity.

The full list of K-pop songs featured in Season 3 is as follows:

Episode 1

  • Girlset (VCHA) “Go Getter”

  • Peniel “Favorite Son”

  • aespa “Whiplash”

Episode 2

  • Girlset (VCHA) “Only One”

  • V & UMI “Wherever U R”

  • MEOVV “Meow”

Episode 3

  • NEXZ “Slo-mo”

Episode 4

  • Ji-Hoon Kim “Love is in the Air”

  • Jae Park “Pacman”

Episode 5

  • ONE PACT “100!”

  • ENHYPEN “Go Big or Go Home”

  • Jeong Sae Byeok “My Side”

  • NMIXX “Soñar (Breaker)”

  • Wonho “What Would You Do”

Episode 6

  • THE 8 (SEVENTEEN) “Skyfall”

Episode 7

  • MAKAMAKA “I Am”

  • MAKAMAKA “Burning Power”

  • ZHANG YANQI “No Explanations”

T.O.P Releases First Solo Album After 13 Years

Photo courtesy of TOPSPOT PICTURES

On Friday, singer-actor T.O.P released his first full-length solo album in 13 years, marking a notable return to music. The project was created in collaboration with Italian producer IRKO, with T.O.P closely involved in shaping its sound and overall direction. Its visual concept was led by Chae Kyoung Sun, known for her work on Squid Game, adding a layered, cinematic dimension to the album.

In an interview with GQ Hong Kong, T.O.P described the release as a deeply personal milestone. “This album is about organizing my past self and crossing into a new chapter. I don't want to repeat the past anymore,” he said, framing the project as a reflection of growth and reinvention.

Support has also come from his former BIGBANG groupmates, with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung sharing messages on their Instagram Stories.

The release signals a new creative chapter for T.O.P, who has spent much of the past decade focusing on selective artistic ventures.

Mark to Depart NCT and Its Subunits After 10 Years

Instagram Post

SM Entertainment announced on Friday that Mark’s exclusive contract will conclude on Wednesday, finalizing his departure from NCT and its subunits. Following his exit, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group: Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, while NCT Dream will proceed with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.

Mark addressed NCTzen (NCT fans) in a handwritten letter posted on Instagram, stating that he consulted every member prior to making his decision and received their full support. Since the announcement, several NCT members have commented on his post, expressing their support and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

In the letter, Mark wrote, “I hope our next chapter together will be one where we are all smiling healthily about the past, embracing the present, and feeling excited for what’s to come.”

Mark debuted with NCT in 2016 at around 16 years old and has been active in the industry for nearly a decade. While fans have expressed sadness over his departure, the overall response has been largely supportive, with many looking ahead to his next chapter.

Favorite New Music This Week

Irene released her long-awaited solo project this week, which proves to be a testament to her evolving artistry, balancing pop sensibilities with bold, dancefloor-ready energy.

Tracks like “Biggest Fan” highlight polished production, blending disco, electro, and modern dance elements into a buoyant, infectious beat. While some moments favor rhythmic spoken delivery over traditional singing, Irene’s charisma carries each track, making the energy feel effortless. The album offers fans a clear glimpse into her individual sound, distinct from Red Velvet’s group work, and underscores her versatility as a performer.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

  • Monday, April 6, 2026

    • KISS OF LIFE: 2nd Single Album “Who is she”

    • KickFlip: 4th Mini Album “My First Kick”

  • Tuesday, April 7, 2026

    • AKMU: 4th Full Album “Flowering”

  • Wednesday, April 8, 2026

    • AMPERSON&ONE: 4th Mini Album “Definition”

    • hrtz.wav: 1st Mini Album “The First Wave”

    • KEYVITUP: 1st EP “Keyvitup”

  • Thursday, April 9, 2026

    • N/A

  • Friday, April 10, 2026

    • N/A

  • Saturday, April 11, 2026

    • N/A

  • Sunday, April 12, 2026

    • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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