July 7, 2025, SEOUL, KOREA – dearALICE, the British boy band formed by Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment, is in a league of its own, captivating global audiences with a unique blend of British pop and K-pop while expanding its youth outreach. Its debut EP “bitterSWEETsummer,” released on June 27, ranked No. 15 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Sales Chart.  

Soaking up inspiration from both the U.K.’s great legacy of global boy bands and dearALICE’s adventurous journey between Korea and the U.K., “bitterSWEETsummer” underscores the band’s iconic fusion of British pop identity and K-pop, further amplified through collaborations with some of the most celebrated producers and choreographers in K-pop.

For its new song “Drums,” dearALICE joined forces with Shift K3Y, the hitmaker behind the success of “Whiplash” by K-pop girl group aespa and “Candy” by TWICE. The track “Roses” was co-written by Sam Klempner ― who previously worked with BTS ― along with Jamie Squire of The 1975 and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. The EP also offers the mix and remix versions of dearALICE’s debut single “Ariana,” for which it teamed up with Shiggy, reputed for his work with RIIZE, for choreography.

‘Save Us’

Leading the EP is “Save Us” ― pre-released on June 25 ― which strikes a darker, introspective note. Written by Grammy-winning songwriter Jon Shave and Aiden Halliday, this cinematic ballad exposes the band’s emotional vulnerability. The flirtatious “Sweet,” the confessional “Roses,” the rhythmic “Drums,” and the warm “Butterflies” also add musical layers to a new EP that dives into the heart of the band’s UK-pop genre — an exploration of youthful desire, uncertainty, and connection wrapped in world-class production.

On June 30, the band embarked on a school tour to broaden youth reach in the U.K., with the first stop in Bristol. dearALICE will continue its journey in Manchester (July 7) and in Newcastle (July 14), bringing its music to young listeners and building a larger following with its competitive edge.  

dearALICE, consisting of Blaise Noon, Dexter Greenwood, Olly Quinn, James Sharp, and Reese Carter, made headlines even before its official debut for appearing on the BBC series “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” that chronicles its 100-day training in Seoul. Following the buzz, dearALICE put out its debut single “Ariana” in February, which hit the No. 2 spot on the Official Physical Singles Chart and No. 3 on the Singles Sales Chart.

Backing dearALICE are Kakao Entertainment, SM Entertainment and gamma., which have been cooperating across all spheres to promote its global activities. Notably, after making historic live debuts at SMTOWN LIVE in Seoul, Mexico City and Los Angeles, dearALICE recently mesmerized audiences at its homecoming performance at London’s iconic O2 with its dynamic stage presence.