Legendary K-pop group Apink is set to ring in their 15th anniversary with a major musical return. The quintet will release their 11th mini-album, ‘RE : LOVE,’ on January 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. KST, their first mini-album release in nearly three years. This comeback kicks off a year of celebrations for the group.
WithUS Entertainment confirmed the news on December 16, following earlier reports in November that the group was preparing for a full-group comeback early next year. The announcement was accompanied by a visually striking official trailer, unveiling the album’s title and the evocative key phrase “LOVE ME MORE.”
The teaser features members Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jeong Eunji, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung portraying narratives of doubt and overcoming in individual spaces.
On December 18 at midnight, the agency released the tracklist for ‘RE : LOVE,’ with the title track ‘Love Me More.’ B-side songs include ‘Fizzy Soda,’ ‘Birthday Cake,’ ‘Sunshine’ and ‘손을 잡아줘.’
This release is a significant milestone for Apink and their fanbase, Pink Pandas. It is their first mini-album since the 10th EP ‘SELF’ in April 2023. The group has remained active, releasing the 14th-anniversary fan song ‘Tap Clap’ in April 2024 and successfully completing their ‘2025 Apink 7th Concert “PINK NEW YEAR”’ Asia tour. However, fans waited for a complete album.
It shows that five members are committed to continuing group activities despite individual career paths and agency changes in recent years.
Following the initial trailer, Apink has begun a detailed promotional rollout. The group released an official scheduler, which outlines the teaser plan leading up to the January 5 release. Fans can expect a sequential release of the tracklist, multiple sets of concept photos, an album preview, a highlight medley, performance spoilers, and music video teasers in the coming weeks.
On the other hand, Apink is also embroiled in controversy with this comeback. Reports indicate that the title track for ‘RE : LOVE’ was produced by Rado, a renowned producer and the long-term boyfriend of member Yoon Bomi.
While Rado is an established hitmaker with credits for Apink and other major groups, some fans have expressed disappointment. They feel the decision blurs personal and professional lines after a three-year wait for new music.
Many fans point out Rado’s proven track record with the group and that his previous work was not an issue. Member Eunji, addressing the preparations, stated, “We’re always working hard behind the scenes to meet our fans.”
Debuting in 2011, Apink is one of the few girl groups from the “second generation” of K-pop to maintain active, ongoing promotions with a stable lineup for a decade and a half. Originally a seven-member group, they continued as six after Hong Yookyung’s departure in 2013 and reorganized to a five-member unit following Son Naeun’s exit in 2022.
Throughout their career, they have delivered timeless hits that defined an era of K-pop, including “NoNoNo,” “Mr. Chu,” and “LUV” . With ‘RE : LOVE,’ Apink aims to both honor their legacy and present an evolved musical identity. According to their agency, the album will “redefine what love means” and showcase “the spectrum of music Apink has honed over its 15-year career”.
Apink’s ‘RE : LOVE’ will be out on January 5, 2026.
