PLAVE are taking their sound into new territory with HYPERDRIVE.
Released digitally on 12 October, the virtual K-pop group’s fifth mini-album features five tracks spanning dance-pop, bossa nova, rock, and R&B. It arrives alongside the music video for lead single ‘Star Trace’, with physical editions following on 13 October.
‘Star Trace’ marks PLAVE’s first EDM-based dance-pop track, pairing layered synthesisers and a driving beat with lyrics about cosmic love and trust. Drawing on the connection between the group and their fans across the fictional worlds of Asterum and Terra, the song was first previewed during their world tour.
The release adopts a racing concept, dividing the members into rival teams YATAZ and MADBAEZ. Racing suits, jackets, and goggles feature across the promotional visuals, while the music video teaser offered a glimpse of high-speed races and performance sequences.
Beyond the title track, ‘꾼’ explores relaxed, dreamlike bossa nova, while ‘푸른 하늘에 단비’ turns towards guitar-driven rock. ‘The Answer Is Yes’ brings upbeat pop to the project before closing song ‘Rewind’ settles into romantic R&B-pop, with member-written lyrics reflecting on past love, youth, and memories.
PLAVE remain involved in the EP’s writing and production, while also welcoming outside collaborators. Rob Grimaldi, a co-writer and producer of BTS’ ‘Butter’, contributed lyrics to ‘Star Trace’. KENZIE and KZLAB worked on the composition of ‘Rewind’.
Although PLAVE appear through virtual avatars, real performers create their music, choreography, and movements. Working with VLAST’s technology, the members perform in real time and connect with fans through those digital identities.
The EP follows the group’s Billboard 200 debut and the release of their concert film, PLAVE Asia Tour [DASH: Quantum Leap] Encore in Cinemas, which is now streaming on Disney+.
PLAVE will also bring their new music on the road as the 2026 PLAVE World Tour [KEEP IT MANIC] continues. Following shows in Korea, the group are heading to Singapore on 17 October, Taipei on 23 and 24 October, and Macau on 31 October and 1 November. The tour then travels to the United States for a show at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on 14 November.
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