K-pop girl group fromis_9 has officially announced their contribution to the 2025 winter music season with an upcoming release.
The group confirmed the title and release date for their new track, which is described as a carol-style song designed to capture the festive mood of winter.
This marks an exciting schedule addition for fans eagerly anticipating new music from the group as the year draws to a close.
Teaser Revealing and Confirmed Details
The news was first delivered to fans via an initial teaser video released on November 21, 2025, at 9 p.m. KST.
The strategic timing of the teaser aimed to build immediate anticipation for the seasonal track.
The key details confirmed by the teaser are:
- Group: fromis_9
- Track Title: The new song is titled “White Longing” (literal translation). The name itself suggests a melodic, sentimental theme perfectly aligned with the characteristic emotional depth of winter songs.
- Official Release Date: The single is scheduled to drop on December 2, [2025]. This date positions the release perfectly for the beginning of the December holiday and winter period.
- Genre: The group has described the upcoming track as a “carol-style song” that is “perfectly suited for the winter season.” This genre choice promises a track likely featuring warm instrumentation, harmonious vocals, and an uplifting or reflective tone commonly associated with winter-themed music.
The revealing of the teaser video is a critical first step in the group’s comeback process, providing the essential information needed by fans to mark their calendars and prepare for the release.
The Significance of a Winter Release
A winter carol release holds significant meaning in the K-pop landscape.
Unlike typical album promotions focused on complex choreography and diverse tracklists, seasonal singles—especially those released in December—are often presented as special gifts to the fandom. These releases are generally:
fromis_9 (Credit: YouTube)
- Mood-Setting: They capitalize on the cozy, reflective, or celebratory atmosphere of the holidays, offering a soundtrack for the season.
- Harmonically Driven: Carols and winter songs heavily rely on vocal strength and harmony, often allowing members’ voices to shine in a different light compared to their usual dance-pop tracks.
- Broadly Appealing: Seasonal songs often cross over to a wider, casual listening audience, potentially broadening the group’s public recognition.
For fromis_9, known for their bright, youthful concepts and consistent quality releases, “White Longing” offers an opportunity to showcase their versatility and provide a comforting, seasonal track that can become a staple in winter playlists for years to come.
The decision to release a literal “carol-style song” is a clear indication of their intent to fully embrace the holiday spirit. The release on December 2 ensures the song will be available throughout the peak winter months.
Looking Ahead
The confirmed details suggest that fromis_9’s label will now move into the next stages of promotion, which typically include concept photos, highlight medleys, and potentially a second music video teaser, all leading up to the official December 2 release.
Fans are highly anticipating the first sound snippets to confirm the musical direction and tone of “White Longing.”
The group’s decision to usher in the winter with a specialized single underscores the importance of seasonal releases in K-pop scheduling.
It’s an anticipated release that promises to be a warm addition to the cold season.
A recent Instagram post by BTS member J-Hope has ignited a significant controversy across social media platforms, leading to widespread criticism from international fans.
The backlash is not directed at J-Hope’s personal behavior but at his continued professional association with American producer Pharrell Williams.
The issue centers on Williams’ alleged stance and past actions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, creating a difficult situation for the globally influential K-Pop idol.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge for major K-Pop artists to navigate global politics and maintain associations in an era of heightened social and political awareness among their diverse fanbase.
The Appearance and the Catalyst Photo
The controversy was sparked by photos J-Hope shared on his Instagram account following his attendance at the opening of the new Human Made store in Apgujeong.
The post featured J-Hope alongside NIGO, the founder of the Japanese fashion brand, and Pharrell Williams.
The two artists have a well-documented professional relationship, having collaborated on music and fashion projects, including a track for Louis Vuitton’s menswear show where Pharrell serves as Creative Director.
However, the seemingly innocuous photo session quickly drew sharp political scrutiny from a segment of the online community immediately following the post.
The Core of the Accusations Against Williams
The reason the photographs generated such immediate anger lies in the public controversy surrounding Pharrell Williams.
Critics accuse him of harboring pro-Israel views and having tangible links to pro-Israel military fundraising efforts.
Specifically, the backlash references the producer’s participation in an annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), an event that has been criticized for raising tens of millions of dollars for the Israeli military.
BTS’s J-Hope and Pharrell Williams (Credit: YouTube)
The fan community views any association with a figure linked to such high-stakes political and military funding as an endorsement of his stance, leading to urgent demands for J-Hope to distance himself.
Direct Calls for Disassociation from the Fandom
The response on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was both emotional and direct. Fans launched a strong appeal to J-Hope, warning him against continuing professional ties.
The sentiment was expressed through direct quotes demanding action, such as,
“Pls don’t work with Pharrell William… We love you and need you to stand with humanity. Pls pay heed to @BDSmovement.”
The inclusion of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, a non-violent push to pressure Israel, shows the political depth of the fans’ demands.
Beyond appeals, the conversation included harsh verbal attacks directed at Pharrell, with users employing derogatory terms like “ugly bitch,” “full-time poser,” and “The mosquito on the right ruining shit as usual” to emphasize their contempt for his political affiliation.
Broader Context and Industry Precedent
The article concludes by pointing out that J-Hope is not the first K-Pop idol to face this specific type of criticism for interactions with Pharrell Williams.
This detail underscores that the dilemma of associating with politically charged global figures is a “long standing issue in K-Pop,” illustrating the constant pressure on idols to maintain a neutral or humanitarian image while also pursuing high-profile international collaborations.
The controversy reflects the power of the global K-Pop fanbase to influence professional choices based on ethical and political grounds.
