The last time members of second-generation South Korean boy band ‘2PM’ performed together on stage was for a concert, following the release of their sixth album “Gentleman’s Game”, in 2017. Released in 2016 and served to commemorate the brand’s eighth year anniversary, the album was a hit, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums and staying there for two weeks. Yet, it was also the group’s last, before most of its members — Jun. K, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, and Chansung — ready themselves for South Korea’s compulsory military service.  

It’s been four years since the concert and five since “Gentleman’s Game”, and they are now back with a vengeance — to be precise, with a brand new MV and an up-coming album “Must”.

For the uninitiated, 2PM has made a name for themselves with performance and music videos that veer towards hip-hop aesthetic, mature sex appeal, and the over-the-top appropriation of tough masculinity – whether it’s performing shirtless, in ripped jeans, or to racy lyrics. In their pre-enlistment heydays, the boys were known as the charismatic “beastly idols”. In fact, they were the first group to embody this title before “Monsta X” and other newer acts. But despite these seemingly rugged and cool (and at times, flirtatious) demeanour in their music productions, they are often affable, hilarious and approachable in real life. 

Having been on countless South Korean reality programmes, interviews as well as taking on hosting gigs, fans have also gotten to know 2PM as a chaotic bunch too. Spontaneous and filled with goofy antics, interactions or moments with the boys are extremely entertaining. Junho and Taecyeon decidedly pretended to imitate their fans, who had their phones out and were videoing their commute, at the airport. In another, much to fans’ and birthday lad Junho’s amusement, both Taecyeon and Jun K dropped not one, but two birthday cakes at a photo studio.

Despite being away from one another for so long, the band members have developed their career as solo artistes as well. Some have dropped their own albums as solo artistes, while others have furthered their acting careers. To date, most of the members are made directors at JYP Entertainment, except Taecyeon who is now under the management of a different agency. The latest chapter in their lives – a.k.a the album “Must” – is a much-needed respite for fans eagerly waiting their comeback.

Whispers of their comeback surfaced earlier in March this year following Junho’s official discharge from military service. In May 2021, JYP Entertainment confirmed the second-generation boy band’s definite return.

In an online press conference, Chansung said, “It feels strange to be returning after such a long time. We’re grateful just for the fact that we had people waiting for our comeback and that we were given the chance to do so.”

 Taecyeon adds, “It’s our first album we’re dropping in our 30s. While we had been taking on diverse concepts in our 20s, coming from the overflowing energy and youth, this album was about showing what we can do at this age.”

Here’s a timeline of sorts of what transpired from June 2021:

On June 6, 2021, 2PM had released a 2-minute teaser trailer, aptly titled “The Hottest Origin”, unfolds like a cologne commercial and features the boys charming viewers in an imaginary apartment – think Jun Ho spritzing himself down with a hose as he attempts to clean his car or Wooyoung being in the mood in the living room with a glass of red wine in his hand.  

On June 14, 2021, the band published the official line-up of songs in the album “Must”, which comprises 10 tracks, including an acoustic version of their “My House” from the 2015 album.

Other new songs include “OK or Not”, “On my Way”, “The Cafe”, “Champagne” and more. The album was set to release on June 28, 2021.

On June 28, 2021, 2PM released the first lead single MV “Make It”, a song which took inspiration from jazz and pop and boasts their signature flirty charm and electronic tunes. The song, as it turns out, is addictive and follows the classic narrative of “boy meets girl” and “love at first sight”. 

This title track was also composed and written by member Wooyoung, who reportedly had penned this on a night he had trouble falling asleep.

On July 4, 2021, the music video for “The Cafe” was released. This sprightly track, according to music journalist Lai Frances, uses a pulsating 808 drumming that calls to mind some R&B influences. Most notable is the soulful duet between Jun. K and Junho as well.  

Ardent fans would remember 2PM making a promise at the tail end of their concert four years ago. They promised that one day, when they have all completed their military service, they would make a return. And indeed, they did. The boys are back. Better than before and as “six sexy men” too.