Take Off (iKon album) explained

Take Off
Type:studio album
Artist:iKon
Cover:IKon - Take Off.png
Caption:Digital cover
Released:May 4, 2023
Length:33:24
Language:Korean
Label:143
Prev Title:Flashback
Prev Year:2022

Take Off is the third studio album by South Korean boy band iKon. It was released on May 4, 2023, by 143 Entertainment,[1] the first release following the expiration of their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment in December 2022.[1]

The album comprises ten tracks, among which "U" serves as the lead single, while "Tantara" was pre-released on April 25, 2023. Nine out of the ten songs were either written or co-written, and co-composed by members Bobby, DK, and Ju-ne. The last three tracks of the album are solo songs by Song, DK, and Ju-ne, respectively.[2]

Release and promotion

After signing with 143 Entertainment on January 1, 2023, iKon announced their intention to release a new album in April. [3] Then in early March, iKon announced their Take Off World Tour across Asia, Europe, and North America.[4] On April 4, iKon's label teased their upcoming album, and on April 17, the group officially announced that their third studio album, named Take Off, would be released on May 4, 2023.[1]

On April 25, 2023, the first single from the album, "Tantara", and a dance performance video was released. The performance was choreographed by Aiki and the dance team Hook, who also appeared in the video.[5] On May 3, iKon appeared on the variety show Weekly Idol for the first time in five years, and performed "Tantara", as well as some of their previous songs.[6] On the same day, they uploaded the music video teaser for their lead single "U".

Take Off was released to digital music and streaming platforms on May 4, 2023, accompanied by a bright and upbeat music video for "U".[7] iKon appeared on Mnet's M Countdown on the same day as the album's release.[8] The album's CD's were available for pre-order in two versions: U and Tantara, and were officially released on May 13.[9]

iKon kicked off their 2023 Take Off World Tour with a two-day concert in Seoul on May 5–6.[10]

Track listing

Notes

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon)[12] 15
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[13] 49
South Korean Albums (Circle)[14] 4

Monthly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
South Korean Albums (Circle)[15] 11

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label
VariousMay 4, 2023143 Entertainment
South KoreaMay 11, 2023CD

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hong Yoo. April 18, 2023. iKON to release 3rd full-length album 'TAKE OFF' on May 4. April 24, 2023. The Korea Herald.
  2. Web site: Seon Mi-kyung . January 1, 2023 . 아이콘, 정규 3집 '테이크 오프' 트랙리스트 공개..프로듀싱 참여. iKON Reveals Tracklist for Their 3rd Full-length Album TAKE OFF with Participation in Producing. April 25, 2023 . Osen . ko.
  3. Web site: Gladys Yeo. January 3, 2023. iKON sign with 143 Entertainment, to reportedly release new album in April. April 24, 2023. NME.
  4. Web site: Daniel Anderson. March 7, 2023. iKON ready to 'Take Off' with tour stops in Asia, Europe and North America. April 24, 2023. Yahoo! News.
  5. Web site: Moon Ye-bin . April 26, 2023 . 아이콘, 아이키·훅과 함께 '딴따라'. IKON, with Aiki and Hook, 'Tantara' together.. May 3, 2023 . Newsis. ko.
  6. Web site: Choi Hye-jin . May 2, 2023 . '주간아이돌' 아이콘, 명곡 리플레이..완벽 라이브 무대. 'Weekly Idol' iKON, replay of hit songs.. flawless live stage. May 3, 2023 . Star News. ko.
  7. Web site: May 4, 2023 . iKON goes on fun road trip in MV for new single 'U'. May 4, 2023 . ABS-CBN NEWS.
  8. Web site: May 4, 2023 . Kim Chae-yeon. '엠카' 세븐틴, 아이브 'I AM' 제치고 1위 트로피..비투비·아이콘·르세라핌 컴백 . ‘M Countdown’ Seventeen beats Ive’s ‘I AM’ to win 1st trophy…BTOB, iKon, Le Sserafim comeback. May 4, 2023 . OSEN. ko.
  9. Web site: May 2, 2023 . 아이콘, 신곡 'U' 뮤비 티저 공개..멋스러운 퍼포먼스. iKON, new song 'U' MV teaser released.. impressive performance. May 3, 2023 . Herald Pop. ko.
  10. Web site: May 7, 2023. Choi Ji-won. iKon starts 'Take Off' world tour in Seoul. May 18, 2023. The Korea Herald.
  11. Web site: Kang . Hyun-kyung . March 29, 2018. Rise of K-pop singers: from low culture 'ttanttara' to artists . The Korea Times. April 26, 2023.
  12. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Digital Albums: May 15, 2023. Oricon. ja. May 10, 2023.
  13. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of May 10, 2023. Billboard Japan. ja. May 10, 2023.
  14. Web site: Circle Album Chart – Week 21, 2023. Circle Chart. ko. June 1, 2023.
  15. Web site: Circle Album Chart – May 2023. Circle Chart. ko. June 8, 2023.