New releases from South Korean boy bands such as Shinee and iKON, and Japanese singers like Gen Hoshino, have made the past month an exciting one in the J-and K-pop slates.
Here are 10 songs to check out on streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
1 POP
DON'T CALL ME
Shinee
Seasoned K-pop boy band Shinee are known for exploring different genres and have done just that for their seventh album.
It opens with the title track, which has heavy hip-hop influences and in-your-face raps.
Reggae-inspired number Body Rhythm shows the group's ability to handle genres outside their comfort zone, but the highlight is Code, which boasts strong vocal performances and harmonies.
2 POP
ENCORE
GOT7
This deeply personal and reflective ballad tracks the South Korean boy band's journey with their fans.
The seven-member group announced in January that they had left their long-time label JYP Entertainment after their contracts ended.
The members are also branching out into solo ventures.
They surprised fans by releasing Encore on their new YouTube channel last month.
3 POP
TAIL
Sunmi
K-pop singer Sunmi's latest single is yet another showcase of her sexiness and dramatic chops.
It is best enjoyed with the music video - in which the former Wonder Girls member plays an unhinged singer consumed with the need for love, while flaunting raw, animalistic dance moves.
4 POP
YUUKAI SINK
(Dissolve Sink)
Vaundy
The young Japanese singer's latest single uses a range of interesting instruments to create a unique sound, but it is best to watch the music video.
Model Sara Minami stars in the video, which features a dream-like landscape that gives the song a trippy feel.
5 POP
QUERENCIA
Chung Ha
The first solo album by K-pop singer Chung Ha kicks off with Bicycle, described as a track with "R&B pop-trap sounds".
While the 25-year-old member of the now-defunct girl group I.O.I. nails her delivery of the song - including the rap - the tune comes off as repetitive.
With 21 songs, though, the album is bound to have something for everyone.
Check out the groovy Stay Tonight or the fun Demente, a reggaeton collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa in which Chung Ha sings in Korean and Spanish.
6 ALTERNATIVE/INDIE
CHOCO-CHIP KAMO NE
(Maybe Chocolate Chips)
Chai featuring Ric Wilson
The all-female Japanese rock quartet team up with Chicago rapper Ric Wilson for this dreamy track with a lo-fi quality.
Chai's bassist Yuuki said the tune is about loving oneself and that the title refers to new moles one gets with age. She explained in a press release: "My moles are like the chocolate chips on a cookie, the more you have, the happier you become. And before you know it, you're an original."
7 HIP-HOP
WHY WHY WHY
iKON
The K-pop boy band's latest single is about breaking up and letting down the one you love.
The melodious hip-hop number has a pared-back rap, but its upbeat tempo still lets the sextet show off their slick dance moves in the music video.
8 POP
CREATE
Gen Hoshino
One can always count on Japanese singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino for something different in each release.
The uptempo Create is a cheeky, fun track with sound effects from Nintendo's iconic video game series Super Mario. A shorter version of it was originally used in a commercial celebrating the game's 35th anniversary in Japan.
9 POP
ARE YOU THERE
Gaho and Jian
The single release Are You There contains only one track, titled The, and an instrumental version of it.
The duet by South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho and Jian, a member of girl group Lunarsolar, is a sweet romantic song for couples who are deep in the throes of love and want to stay on the phone with each other a little bit longer. The duo's voices match extremely well in the easy listening number.
10 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
TABIJI
Kaze Fujii
The Japanese singer-songwriter produces another gem with the theme song of Japanese drama Nijiiro Karute.
The instrumentals at the beginning of Tabiji ("journey" in Japanese) make for a great hook, while Fujii delivers a beautiful and distinctive vocal performance.
