The kings of concept reveal the first notes of their new universe, promising a complete immersion between tradition and modernity.
The suspense is coming to an end for the TOMOON. On January 19, 2026 at midnight KST, ONEUS released on their official channel the highly anticipated “HIGHLIGHT MEDLEY” for their new project titled “原.” This several-minute video gives a glimpse of the album’s musical DNA, where powerful orchestral sounds blend with striking contemporary rhythms. Visually, the medley is paired with photos from their latest photoshoot, featuring LEEDO, KEONHEE, HWANWOONG, and XION in settings reminiscent of the refined aesthetics of “Luna” and “Lit.”
The new project “原” consists of three promising tracks that highlight the members’ artistic involvement. The title track, “Grenade,” stands out as a powerful centerpiece co-written by KEONHEE, HWANWOONG, and several renowned lyricists, with composition by the Strawberrybananaclub team. It is followed by “Stop & move,” a track produced by RBW’s in-house producers Lee Sang-ho and Seo Yong-bae, ensuring the group’s signature melodic impact. Finally, the album closes on a more intimate note with “When you’re close to me,” written and composed by Adam H. Evans and Chaein. This blend of internal and external talent suggests a well-balanced project, alternating between explosive performance energy and the rich vocal colors that define ONEUS.
This new album appears to mark a return to the group’s roots, as suggested by the title “原,” meaning “origin.” Since their debut in 2019, ONEUS has established itself as one of the most creative groups in K-pop, turning each performance into a true theatrical experience. Through this project, they reaffirm their status as versatile performers by exploring a wide range of vocal styles, from emotional ballads to energetic dance tracks shaped by the members’ own songwriting and composing skills.
The buzz on social media was immediate: within minutes, the medley had already sparked numerous fan comments analyzing every second of the melodies. This teaser successfully builds a mystical and captivating atmosphere, characteristic of the group, while keeping the choreography of the title track a mystery. Anticipation is now at its peak for the full release of what promises to be one of the major musical highlights of early 2026.
The album “原” by ONEUS will be officially available on all streaming platforms starting January 22, 2026.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Youtube ONEUS
