The K-pop scene is buzzing as rising boy group **WAKER** successfully concluded their captivating music show promotions for their 3rd mini-album, *In Elixir : Spellbound*, featuring the dynamic title track ‘LiKE THAT’.
After a powerful two-week run across various music programs, **WAKER** (comprised of members **Gohyeon, Kwonhyeop, Leejun, Rio, Saebyeol, and Sebom**) wrapped up their ‘LiKE THAT’ broadcast activities on **January 18** with a memorable performance on **SBS ‘Inkigayo’**. Their comeback, marking the start of **2026**, showcased a remarkable upgrade in both their visuals and performance prowess.
The group’s successful shift to a funkier sound was visually complemented by an array of stunning concepts that had fans’ hearts racing. Each stage offered a fresh feast for the eyes, highlighting the six members’ distinct charms:
- 🎶 A vibrant, funky musical transformation
- 🖤 Chic all-black suits exuding sophisticated cool
- 👔 Dandy preppy looks that brought playful charm
- ✨ Luxurious glam aesthetics for a dazzling impact
- 💖 Six distinct visual concepts, each perfectly embodying their individual flair
Their stage presence was equally impressive, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse rookie idol group. The members delivered a flawless performance, executing powerful yet fluid choreography to the infectious ‘LiKE THAT’ sound. Their dynamic facial expressions, perfectly conveying the thrill and confusion of love, further amplified the impact of their stages.
Beyond the domestic spotlight, **WAKER** is already making significant waves globally. Their new track ‘LiKE THAT’ debuted on **YouTube’s ‘Daily Shorts Popular Songs’** chart, reaching **49th in Korea** and an impressive **28th in Japan**. This simultaneous entry into both the Korean and Japanese short-form markets is a particularly commendable feat for an artist from a mid-sized agency, underscoring their strong content competitiveness and the passionate, organic engagement from their dedicated fandom, **Sleeper**.
As an editor always on the lookout for fresh talent, I’m so impressed by WAKER’s stage presence and style versatility. Their ability to deliver powerful performances while experimenting with various looks truly sets them apart in the K-pop landscape!
Reflecting on their recent activities, **WAKER** shared, “This promotion period was a valuable step that allowed our team to grow even further. Being able to be on all the music shows made it even more meaningful.” They extended their heartfelt gratitude to their fans, **Sleeper**, who have consistently supported them, promising, “We will return with even better music and stages.”
Having successfully wrapped up their domestic promotions, **WAKER** is now gearing up to accelerate their global expansion. The group is scheduled to hold solo concerts in **Japan in March** and **Taiwan in April**, allowing them to connect directly with their international fanbase. With a strong pre-debut following already established in Japan, expectations are high for their continued growth in global markets.
While music show promotions have concluded, **WAKER** will continue their active communication with fans through various domestic and international stages, extending beyond their upcoming concerts in Japan and Taiwan.
Editor: Emily Park ✨
