Beats of the Month: Summer Favorites from Ateez, Ive, & Stray Kids

In the vast landscape of Korean entertainment, sometimes it’s the little things that bring us joy (or disappointment) and make our fan girl/boy/folk hearts beat a little faster.

Each month, we ask our writers to share: Among the many Hallyu things vying for your attention, what’s caught your eye, is on your mind, or has made your heart skip a beat?

LATE AUGUST FAVES FROM IVE AND STRAY KIDS — SIENA

As I keep waxing poetic (aka whining) about, 2025 has been a bit of a slump year in K-pop for me. Despite occasional tracks that caught my interest, I’ve felt like a lot of my favorite groups have brought mundane, or even disappointing, material to the table. So, imagine my surprise when two groups that I only casually listen to had late August comebacks that really grabbed me!

First up is Stray Kids with the slightly bonkers but kinetic “Ceremony.” I tend to go very hot-and-cold on Stray Kids: their 2020 mega-hit “God’s Menu” remains one of my favorite K-pop comebacks ever, but I often find their title tracks repetitive and therefore forgettable. “Ceremony” has many of their trademarks, but with an extra musical kick that I’m really enjoying. I always tend to root for self-produced K-pop groups (their success, in my mind, increases the chances of other musically-inclined idols getting the chance to stretch their producing muscles), so I’m delighted to see Stray Kids back at the top of their game.

Next up, Ive is another group that has some songs I love (“Love Dive,” b-sides “Blue Blood” and “Holy Moly”) and others I’m very ambivalent towards. I’ve felt that their recent run of title tracks has been a bit weak, so I was pleasantly surprised when “XOXZ” charmed me at first listen.

What’s really interesting about the track is it follows a lot of current (often peeving) K-pop trends—like being under three minutes and having a shout-y chorus—but unlike many of its peers, executes them successfully. The song’s staccato chorus is balanced with compelling melodic elements and despite coming in at just over 2:30, “XOXZ” has every ‘part’ of a song you could want: verses, pre-choruses, choruses, a concluding bridge, and a (stellar) instrumental outro. Plus, nothing feels rushed or cut off. “XOXZ” is just the right length, and it’s also a thoroughly catchy and fun late-summer comeback amidst a semi-lackluster season.

ATEEZ’S “LEMON DROP:” MY ZESTY, SMOLDERING SUMMER FAVE! — RUPASHI

While summer might be winding down for some, Ateez’s “Lemon Drop” has been keeping my personal Hallyu summer alive and zesty throughout 2025. The title track from their Golden Hour: Part 1 album isn’t just a song; it’s a whole vibe that perfectly captures those fleeting warm-weather feelings.

From the moment those bright, almost bubbly synths kick in, “Lemon Drop” instantly transports me to a sunny, carefree day. It’s got that quintessential summer sound without being overly saccharine. The track expertly blends Ateez’s signature powerful delivery with a lighter, more playful touch, showcasing their versatility. You can feel the energy in the vocals, but it’s a bright, refreshing kind of energy, much like a cool lemon drop on a hot day.

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What makes it a true Hallyu summer fave for me is how it subtly embodies the playful side of K-pop that’s perfect for the season. It’s the kind of song you blast during a road trip with friends or while enjoying a picnic in the park. It doesn’t demand intense focus; instead, it provides a vibrant, feel-good soundtrack to everyday summer moments. The lyrics, even if you’re not deep-diving into them, convey a lighthearted sweetness and a touch of youthful exuberance that resonates with summer freedom.

While Ateez is known for their grand, theatrical concepts, “Lemon Drop” is a delightful reminder of their ability to craft infectious, standalone title tracks and b-sides that simply make you happy. It’s been on repeat, providing that much-needed dose of sunshine and proving that sometimes, the best summer anthems are the ones that simply taste like a “Lemon Drop.”

(YouTube [1][2][3]. Images via KQ Entertainment, Starship.)