K-Pop Group SECRET Returns After 12 Years

The girl group Secret is making a comeback after 12 years. Their agency, RBW, announced on the 8th that Secret will release a special mini-album titled 'Secret Flavor' on the 18th. Secret unveiled a trailer video announcing the new album release on their official YouTube channel the previous day.

Secret debuted in 2009 as a four-member group and was active as a popular second-generation girl group with hit songs like 'Magic', 'Madonna', 'Shy Boy', and 'Starlight Moonlight'. They halted group activities after their 2014 mini-album 'SECRET SUMMER', with Han Sun-hwa leaving in 2016 and Song Ji-eun departing the group in 2018.

For this comeback, one new member will join the existing members Jeon Hyo-seong and Jung Ha-na. The new member's name is Ye-bin, who gained recognition through JTBC's 'Girls on Fire' and showcased impressive vocal skills with a cover of Taeyeon's 'U R'. Jeon Hyo-seong also posted a message of support for Ye-bin on her personal social media.

While there have been mixed reactions from some regarding the age difference with Secret being reorganized into a three-member group with the addition of new member Ye-bin, the majority of netizens are sending positive support. Online communities are filled with comments expressing anticipation, such as "Showing their skills from the very first appearance says it all," and "Welcome to the new member. It's been a really long time for Secret."

Secret's agency, RBW, has begun comeback promotions and released a trailer video for the special mini-album. The video featured childhood photos of the members along with narration stating, "I want to go back to that purest time," evoking nostalgia among fans. Recent domestic music streaming statistics show an increase in streaming counts for second-generation idol songs released from the late 2000s to the early 2010s, proving the strong retro trend.