NEWBEAT's “Cappuccino” Is a Cool Rush of Nostalgia and New-Gen Swagger
NEWBEAT just dropped their latest digital single “Cappuccino” on August 5, and it’s already stirring up buzz across the global K-pop scene.
The surprise release, out at 12PM KST via Beat Interactive, isn’t part of a formal comeback—but don’t let that fool you. “Cappuccino” might be the group’s most polished and thematically intriguing track yet.
From Jelly to Java: NEWBEAT’s Universe Expands
If you’ve been following the storyline from NEWBEAT’s debut album RAW AND RAD, “Cappuccino” acts as a direct follow-up to their earlier track “JeLLo.” While “JeLLo” leaned into quirky visuals and hidden power tropes, “Cappuccino” marks an emotional shift. There’s a noticeable maturity in both tone and sound, as the group explores the awakening that comes with “graduating” from playful sweetness to something a little bolder—and maybe even bitter.
The metaphor of switching from jelly to cappuccino isn’t just clever—it mirrors the very evolution of the group itself.
A Sound That Feels Like Throwback and Takeoff
“Cappuccino” blends old-school hip-hop beats with sharp, modern production. It’s a groove-heavy track that highlights NEWBEAT’s dynamic range, especially through the members' tight rap flows and expressive vocals. The song was brought to life by a powerhouse team including KZ, HONEYSWEAT, Andreas Öhrn, and Didrik Thott, with arrangement by HONEYSWEAT.
It’s addictive, a little cheeky, and surprisingly layered. Definitely a repeat-listen kind of song.
No Comeback, Just Vibes
This drop wasn’t accompanied by teaser campaigns or a full promo cycle. Instead, it was a low-key gift to fans—many of whom first heard “Cappuccino” during NEWBEAT’s live stage at KCON LA 2025. That performance sparked a wave of curiosity online, setting the stage for a strong digital release.
Whether intentional or not, this “non-comeback” strategy works in their favor. It keeps the focus on the music, not the rollout.
Who Is NEWBEAT?
For those just tuning in: NEWBEAT is a seven-member group under Beat Interactive, featuring Park Minseok, Hong Minseong, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Cho Yoonhoo, and Kim Riu. Formerly known as HinLOVE, the group cut their teeth performing in A.C.E’s music videos and as backup dancers during 2024’s KCON LA and their U.S. busking tour HIGH&LOW Donuts.
Their full-length debut album RAW AND RAD dropped earlier this year and was backed by a wave of media exposure through Mnet and SBS showcases. Since then, they’ve been stacking major festival stages like LOVESOME Festival, Seoul Spring Festa, MyK FESTA, and Yeosu K-Mega Island Festival.
Stream “Cappuccino”
Available now on all major platforms.
📸 Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
🎧 Listen here: [LINK]
