The summer of 2025 is off to a fiery start as a wave of K-pop girl groups prepare to take over the charts and the stage. With debuts and comebacks from both rookie and established acts, June is shaping up to be a battleground for the title of this year’s “Summer Queen.”

The first to enter the spotlight is USPEER, a new seven-member girl group from WM Entertainment. As the company’s first girl group in nearly a decade since OH MY GIRL, expectations are high. USPEER will make their official debut on June 4, 2025, KST with the single album 'Speed Zone', which includes the title track 'Zoom' and the B-side 'Telepathy'—both produced by K-pop hitmakers MonoTree. With a bold and energetic image, the group is ready to make an impact from day one.

The competition intensifies on June 9, 2025, KST, with four notable comebacks scheduled for the same day. Among them is IZNA, returning just two months after their debut with the new single 'BEEP', which will be released in both Korean and Japanese versions. After winning two music show trophies with their debut single 'SIGN', IZNA is riding a strong wave of momentum, boosted by appearances at major global stages including KCON LA, Summer Sonic Japan, and KT POP Taiwan.

Also making a highly anticipated return is ITZY, who will drop their mini album 'Girls Will Be Girls', their first comeback of 2025 and the first since 'GOLD' released in October last year. The album contains five tracks, led by the title track of the same name. Known for their sharp choreography and bold image, ITZY is once again aiming for chart dominance and festival stages alike.

Pop-rock band QWER is set to release their third mini album 'I’m on your side, Even if the world is in discord' on the same day. The album continues the heartfelt narrative that began with their debut 'Harmony from Discord', showcasing their growth both musically and emotionally. All six tracks on the album, including 'Holding Back Tears' and 'Yours Sincerely', feature the band’s involvement in songwriting, signaling their growing artistic identity.

Adding more heat to the summer lineup, KISS OF LIFE returns with their fourth mini album '224'. Following last year’s summer hit 'Sticky', the group is ready to show off their deepened musical color and performance style. The title track 'Lips Hips Kiss' leads a seven-song collection that highlights the group’s evolving identity, sensibility, and confidence.

Another highly anticipated comeback comes from ARTMS, the five-member group formed by former LOONA members Heejin, Haseul, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry. After their full-group debut album 'Dall (Devine All Love & Live)' drew acclaim for its cinematic concept and striking visuals, they now return with 'Club Icarus', a new chapter that promises to elevate their mythological storytelling and musical ambition.

Rounding out the month, ILLIT will release their third mini album 'Bomb' on June 16, 2025, KST. The album focuses on building a relationship with “you”—a thematic continuation of their storyline. The title track 'Borrowed Cat (Do the Dance)' blends playful charm with French house rhythms, drawing inspiration from a Korean idiom that describes someone feeling awkward and out of place. With their quirky confidence and youthful energy, ILLIT looks to offer something uniquely their own.

As June unfolds, the spotlight is on each group to deliver performances that will define the season. With distinct styles and strong momentum, the competition for this summer’s standout act is officially underway.

SEE ALSO: ARTMS tease a hidden sanctuary in captivating visuals for 'Club Icarus'