Return (iKon album)

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Return
IKON Return.jpg
Digital and Red version cover
Studio album by
iKON
ReleasedJanuary 25, 2018 (2018-01-25)
Recorded2017
Genre
Length42:51
LanguageKorean
LabelYG
ProducerB.I
IKON chronology
Welcome Back
(2015) 		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] The production of the album was led and handled by iKON leader B.I fronting as the main producer, with the help of YG producers. The album contains 12 songs including the hit lead single "Love Scenario".

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]3/5 stars
The Star[24]7/10 stars

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[]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018 Return Digital Album of the Year[36] Nominated

Melon Music Awards[]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018 Return Album 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 Bounce
  • Bekuh BOOM
  • B.I
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[]

Country Date Label(s) Format Ref.
Various January 25, 2018 YG Digital download [13]
South Korea January 26, 2018 CD
Japan January 27, 2018 YGEX Digital download [40]
March 14, 2018 CD, DVD [41]

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. 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. 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 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. 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. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b c "아이콘 '리턴' 18일 예약판매 시작..26일 오프라인 발매". Star News. 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. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  18. ^ "[V라이브 종합] "하트수 2억1천만" 아이콘, 팬들이 간절히 기다린 컴백 D-1". Chosun. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b "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. ^ Jump up to: a b 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. ^ Jump up to: a b "Gaon Album Chart – Week 4, 2018". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b "Billboard Japan Download Albums– February 5, 2018". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  28. ^ Jump up to: a b "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. ^ Jump up to: a b "Oricon Weekly Digital Album Chart – February 5, 2018". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  30. ^ Jump up to: a b "Billboard Japan Hot Albums– February 5, 2018". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  31. ^ Jump up to: a b "World Albums: Return".
  32. ^ Jump up to: a b "Heatseekers Albums: Return".
  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.
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