GOT7 Announce Comeback With ‘Winter Heptagon’ EP, Kakao Partnership

One of K-pop’s most beloved and internationally impactful boy bands has announced their return to celebrate more than a decade in the industry alongside a new label partner.

On January 20, 2025, GOT7 will return with a brand-new EP titled Winter Heptagon. The long-rumored comeback will not only commemorate the group’s 11th anniversary since debut, but also mark their first release under a new partnership with major Korean music house and distributor Kakao Entertainment. The highly anticipated record comes three years after their self-titled EP, GOT7, dropped in May 2022 as their first since departing JYP Entertainment, the agency that initially brought them together. The announcement follows years of flourishing solo careers for all seven members — Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Youngjae, Jinyoung, BamBam and Yugyeom — who now reunite to celebrate their shared legacy and strong connection with fans.

According to a press release from Kakao Entertainment that confirmed the partnership, Winter Heptagon aims to showcase GOT7’s distinct sound and chemistry, which have set them apart in the ever-competitive K-pop industry, with plans to “take part in diverse promotional activities as a septet.”

“Kakao Entertainment has planned and produced GOT7’s new album with the goal of showcasing high-quality content that resonates with the group’s global fans,” the agency shared. “Given that it’s GOT7’s new release in many years, Kakao Entertainment has made the best use of its music planning, production, and marketing capabilities to create an album highlighting the group’s distinctive musical color and magnetism.”

Working with GOT7 marks another significant attainment for the increasingly internationally focused Kakao Entertainment, which recently became the majority shareholder of the historic K-pop label SM Entertainment after a competitive bidding war. With SM alongside a series of small-but-powerful K-pop labels under its belt like EDAM Entertainment (home to K-pop diva IU), Starship Entertainment (Monsta X and IVE), and High Up Entertainment (STAYC), plus a newly established partnership with Sony Music in the United States, this teaming is a smart move for the company’s growing global ambitions.

Since GOT7’s debut in 2014, the boy band has carved out a unique niche with a genre-blending sound, impactful live performances, and heavy involvement in songwriting and production. The group’s discography includes defining K-pop hits like the uplifting anthem “Just Right” (which has more than 435 million views on its official YouTube video), the critically acclaimed emotional breakout hit “If You Do” (235 million views and named one of the best K-pop songs of the 2010s by Billboard) and the signature, pounding pump-up jam “Harry Carry” (130 million views).

While all seven members chose not to renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment upon the group’s seventh anniversary in 2021, the commitment to the group never wavered. Defying industry odds, the septet reunited in 2022 to release GOT7 under Warner Music Korea alongside the “Got7 Homecoming 2022 Fancon” event to highlight the enduring bond with fans.

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Fast forward to the closing of 2024, GOT7’s well-known playful and fan-centric spirit preceded the official comeback announcement with cryptic hints from the members on social media.

Jay B first teased the group’s return during his solo concert “TAPE : RELOAD” with BamBam later confirming the January 20 release date in his signature, lighthearted meme-y posting style. Fans can expect a series of teasers leading up to the release, with pre-orders for the Winter Heptagon physical album starting December 20, 2024, on various Korean and overseas platforms. (At press time, there is no announcement regarding an official physical release for the United States.)

GOT7 fans have also been collecting clues from the members regarding new details about the record. While not officially confirmed, the members have been sharing different information, including that the album will likely have nine songs and that each member contributed lyrics to a song of his own. The record’s overall theme and concept will allegedly be “dark and sexy.” There are also rumors that BamBam penned the title track single, marking the first time the Thai rapper-singer wrote a GOT7 single — if true. Fans also cite Jay B and Youngjae, who share that the new single is reminiscent of the group’s 2017 single “Never Ever” but with an easy-listening production. The guys also anticipate performing on Korean music shows and holding concerts supporting the album.

GOT7 Members Solo Successes Set the Stage

Each GOT7 member’s solo endeavors over the past three years have enriched their artistry and helped set the stage for this milestone comeback.

Group leader Jay B explored a range of musical landscapes with releases through multiple labels and international tours, while Mark delivered a successful U.S. tour in support of his first solo album The Other Side. Jackson expanded his global footprint with his pop album, Magic Man, and collaborations with major names like Rain, Ciara, Epik High and XG, even performing at Coachella.

Jinyoung, who primarily focused on his shining acting career, also released his first solo album, Chapter 0: With, in early 2023, followed by Yugyeom’s well-received Trust Me in February 2024. Both of those records were named some of the best of the year by outlets like Billboard. Meanwhile, Youngjae and BamBam each dropped full-length projects, with both BamBam’s Sour & Sweet and Youngjae’s Do It earning praise for their individual styles and storytelling.

Despite the solo successes, the announcement of Winter Heptagon reflects the members’ shared enthusiasm and commitment to continue as a group.

GOT7’s Global Fanbase Awaits for ‘Winter Heptagon’ Album

The influence of GOT7 extends far beyond music charts; their tight-knit bond and authenticity have fostered a dedicated global fanbase, and the group has taken several risks and unexpected promotional routes during their time together to better connect with fans. With Winter Heptagon, the group aims to showcase their irreplaceable musical dynamic as a septet and remind fans of the unique magic — and well-document chaos — they bring when together as a collective seven.

As GOT7 gears up for their anniversary celebration, fans worldwide eagerly await the group’s next chapter — one that promises nostalgia, evolution, and a record that entirely comes from the band’s creative minds as a testament to GOT7’s enduring legacy and continued ability to captivate audiences worldwide.