GOT7 Declare Return with 'Winter Heptagon' EP, Collaborate with Kakao
One of the renowned and globally influential K-pop boy groups has declared their reemergence to commemorate over a decade in the field, accompanied by a new label collaborator.
On January 20, 2025, GOT7 will unveil a fresh EP entitled Winter Hexitagon. This long-speculated comeback serves not only as a celebration of the group's 11th anniversary since debut, but also marks their first release under a new partnership with major Korean music label and distributor Kakao M. This much-anticipated album arrives three years after their self-titled EP, GOT7, hit the scene in May 2022, marking their first release since departing from JYP Entertainment, the agency responsible for their initial formation. The announcement follows years of thriving solo careers for all seven members, namely Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Youngjae, Jinyoung, BamBam, and Yugyeom, who now reunite to honor their shared legacy and robust fan connection.
Based on a press release from Kakao M confirming the partnership, Winter Hexitagon aims to emphasize GOT7's distinctive sound and camaraderie, Thus setting them apart in the intensely competitive K-pop industry. The plans include participation in diverse promotional activities as a septet.
According to Kakao M, the primary objective of their music production for GOT7's new album is to showcase high-quality content that resonates with the group's global fans. Given that it's GOT7's new release in many years, Kakao M has utilized its music planning, production, and marketing capabilities to create an album that highlights the group’s distinctive musical color and allure.
Working with GOT7 represents yet another considerable achievement for the internationally focused Kakao M, which recently seized the majority share of historical K-pop label SM Entertainment following an intense bidding competition. With SM joining a string of substantial K-pop labels such as EDAM Entertainment (homeland of renowned K-pop star IU), Starship Entertainment (Monsta X and IVE), and High Up Entertainment (STAYC), alongside a new U.S. partnership with Sony Music, this collaboration aligns well with the company's evolving global ambitions.
Since GOT7's debut in 2014, the band has crafted a distinct niche through genre-blending music, impactful live presentations, and active involvement in songwriting and production. Their discography is renowned for defining K-pop hits such as the uplifting anthem “Just Right” (featuring more than 435 million views on its official YouTube video), the critically acclaimed emotional breakout tune “If You Do” (with 235 million views and recognized as one of the best K-pop songs of the 2010s by Billboard), and the signature, high-energy pump-up jam “Harry Carry” (with over 130 million views).
Despite choosing not to renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment upon their seventh anniversary in 2021, the septet’s commitment to the group never wavered. Consequently, with industry odds stacked against them, the group reunited in 2022 to release GOT7 under Warner Music Korea along with the “Got7 Homecoming 2022 Fancon” gathering to emphasize their remarkable bond with fans.
Towards the end of 2024, GOT7's spirit was once again evident through cryptic hints shared by members on social media, heightening anticipation for their official comeback announcement.
Jay B first hinted at the group's return during his solo concert “TAPE : RELOAD” with BamBam later confirming the January 20, 2025 release date through his signature, lighthearted meme style. The onslaught of teasers leading up to the release comprises pre-orders for the Winter Hexitagon physical album starting December 20, 2024, on various Korean and overseas platforms. (At this moment, there is no formal announcement regarding an official physical release for the United States.)
GOT7 fans have also been collecting pieces of information from the members, providing clues such as the new album possibly featuring nine songs, with each member contributing lyrics to a song of his choice. Furthermore, the theme and concept of the record reportedly present a dark and seductive atmosphere. There have also been rumors of BamBam penning the title track single, marking his first time composing a GOT7 single—if authentic. Additionally, fans cite Jey B and Youngjae who claim the new single has a familiar 2017 vibe with a soothing production style. The group members also look forward to performing on Korean music shows and hosting concerts to support the album.
Solo Ambitions of GOT7 Members
The fascinating solo endeavors of each GOT7 member during the past three years served to deepen their artistic talent and pave the way for this significant comeback.
As group leader, Jey B delved into a variety of musical landscapes through collaborations with multiple labels and worldwide tours. Mark displayed his prowess by delivering a successful U.S. tour in support of his first solo album, The Other Side. Jackson continued to widen his global reach with his pop album Magic Man and collaborations with prominent figures such as Rain, Ciara, Epik High, and XG, even performing at Coachella.
Jinyoung, primarily focused on his thriving acting career, released his debut solo album, titled "Chapter 0: With", in the initial months of 2023. This was shortly followed by Yugyeom's highly acclaimed album, "Trust Me", in February 2024. Both albums garnered recognition as some of the best of the year by media platforms like Billboard. Meanwhile, Youngjae and BamBam also launched complete projects, with "Sour & Sweet" and "Do It" respectively, receiving accolades for their distinct styles and storytelling capabilities.
Despite their individual achievements, the announcement of "Winter Heptagon" symbolizes the group members' collective passion and dedication to continue working together.
GOT7's Globally Adored Fans Anticipate the 'Winter Heptagon' Album
GOT7's impact transcends music charts, thanks to their strong bond and genuine nature which has cultivated a devoted global fanbase. Throughout their journey, they have taken daring risks and unconventional promotional paths to foster a stronger connection with their fans. With "Winter Heptagon", they aim to highlight their one-of-a-kind musical chemistry as a septet and evoke memories of the enchanting magic — and well-chronicled chaos — they create when functioning as a unified seven.
As GOT7 prepares for their anniversary celebrations, fans from around the world are on edge in anticipation of the group's upcoming chapter, which promises a blend of nostalgia, transformation, and an album purely birthed from the band's creative minds, serving as a tribute to GOT7's enduring influence and unwavering ability to captivate audiences globally.
The new EP, Winter Hexitagon, by GOT7 is set to release on January 20, 2025, marking their comeback after three years and their first collaboration with Kakao M. This album comes as a celebration of GOT7's 11th anniversary since debut and features the distinctive sound and camaraderie of the seven members.
The eleven-year discography of GOT7, under JYP Entertainment, includes hits like "Just Right", "If You Do", and "Harry Carry". Despite parting ways with JYP Entertainment in 2021, the group's commitment never wavered, leading to their 2022 comeback with the EP, GOT7, under Warner Music Korea.
GOT7's members have been actively pursuing solo careers during their hiatus. Jay B has toured globally, Mark released a successful U.S. album, Jackson collaborated with prominent figures, Jinyoung proved himself as a thriving actor and released his debut solo album, Yugyeom delivered a highly acclaimed album, and Youngjae and BamBam also launched complete projects.
The release also includes rumors about BamBam composing the title track single for the first time, and the new single having a familiar 2017 vibe with a soothing production style. GOT7 fans, known globally for their dedication, are looking forward to the group's performances on Korean music shows and concerts to support the album.
GOT7's anniversary celebrations and the upcoming album, Winter Hexitagon, promise to evoke nostalgia, transformations, and a tribute to GOT7's enduring influence and ability to captivate audiences globally.
