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Return is the second studio album by South Korean male group iKON. It was released on January 25, 2018. The production of the album was handled by iKON leader B.I and YG producers. The album's lead and only single "Love Scenario" was released alongside the album.
After releasing their debut album Welcome Back in 2015, the group went on several touring for two years, embarking on their first Asia tour and two Japanese tours, including Japan Dome tour, the group gathered over 800,000 fans from these tours, breaking several records for a rookie artists, including being the fastest group to make a concert in Japan dome since debut. During touring the group released two singles, "#WYD?" and "New Kids: Begin".
Since September 2017, iKON had filmed new music videos, Yang Hyun Suk shared a video of the group music video on his personal social media account on September 20, the following month the members stated that they working on music and will release it. On December, YG Entertainment announced that the group will make their comeback in January 2018, Yang shared another teaser of music video filming scene through his social media. On January 6, iKON released a comeback teaser film, with the title of the album Return, marking the group's first studio album in 2 years and a month since their first official album Welcome Back. The film was directed by VM Project Architecture, and included had monologue from iKON member Bobby. iKON said they chose the album name because it conveys the feeling of looking back at their starting point and initial intentions. On January 12, YG Entertainment revealed the first poster with the official release date through their official blog, with the date January 25. The following day they announced the lead single "Love Scenario". Later the tracklist was revealed, eight new tracks with four Korean versions of songs previously released in Japan. B.I was credited as both composer and lyricist in all 12 songs, with other YG artists and producers who worked on the album including Psy, Tablo, Choice37, Teddy Park, Bekuh BOOM, Millennium, Yoo Gun-hyung, and others.
The album was made available for pre-orders on January 18. The album was made available on major streaming platforms on January 25, while the physical release occurred on January 26. The album has two different versions, Red and Black, with a 120-page photo book, 8 postcards, photo cards, selfie cards, and photo films, while limited quantities produced in initial production included a poster.
iKON held a live broadcast via Naver V Live, 19 hours prior to their new album release, with the number of viewers surpassing 200,000. The group were also guests on JTBC's Knowing Bros and MBC Every 1's Weekly Idol to promote the album. iKON performed "Love Scenario" for the first time on MBC TV's Show! Music Core on January 27. The group held a series of fan signing events in South Korea to promote the album. They also announced their first fan-meeting in South Korea, under YG's Private Stage, a new fan-meeting brand that aims for high-quality performances based on communication between artists and fans. The fan meeting will be held on March 11 at Olympic Hall.
The group recorded their own reality show for the first time since its debut, titled "iKON TV" which showcases behind-the-scenes stories of the members.
In South Korea, Return debuted at 2 on the Gaon Album Chart. In Japan, with two days in sales, the Korean version of the album debuted at 4 on Oricon's weekly digital chart, selling 1,500. The following week it charted at 20 and sold 510 copies. The album debuted at 12 on the physical weekly chart, selling 5,442. On Billboard Japan, the album charted at 5 on top download albums, and 23 on hot albums. In the United States, the album charted at 4 on Billboard World Albums and 12 on Top Heatseekers albums. The album has been graciously accepted by the general public. The title track was featured on .
Mellow yet relatively upbeat reaction to breaking up with a circuitous melody that guides the rhythmic dance track.
"Love Scenario" has also been featured on playlist.
Upon its release, "Love Scenario" topped China's QQ Music's real-time chart. It also entered the top 10 on QQ Music's weekly chart. In South Korea, the song debuted at 12 on the Gaon Weekly Chart. It has topped the chart for six weeks, the first artist to achieve this milestone.
TRACKLIST
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