In K-pop, a title track usually means the main song promoted for an album or EP. A B-side usually means another track on the same release. But two related terms often cause confusion: pre-release describes when a song comes out, while double title track means more than one song is officially treated as a main promoted track.
A quick guide to the different roles songs can have in a K-pop album or EP.
What does “title track” mean in K-pop?
In K-pop usage, the title track is usually the central promotional song for a release. It often receives the main music video, choreography and music-show promotion, although the exact promotion plan varies by artist and release.
The important detail is that title track does not mean “the song with the same name as the album.” TWS’s first mini album is Sparkling Blue, but Weverse Magazine identifies “plot twist” as its title track.
What is a B-side?
In K-pop conversation, B-side usually refers to another song on the same album or EP that is not designated as the main title track. The term is common in fandom and is also used by entertainment companies themselves.
A B-side is not automatically a less important song. YG described BABYMONSTER’s “Really Like You” as a B-side track, then reported that it returned to M COUNTDOWN and received a live clip after a later surge in popularity.
Can a B-side get a video or stage?
Yes. A TREASURE official notice referred to a planned P/V shoot for the B-side “DANGER.” Other official examples also show B-sides receiving stages, dance practices, live clips and later promotion.
So B-side ≠ no promotion. It tells you the song’s role within a release, not a permanent limit on what content it can receive.
What is a pre-release?
A pre-release is primarily about timing: the song is released before the full album or EP. It does not automatically tell you whether the song will ultimately be the main title track or another album track.
TWS provides a clear example. Weverse Magazine calls “Oh Mymy : 7s” a pre-release and separately identifies “plot twist” as the title track of Sparkling Blue.
Can one album have two title tracks?
Yes. YG officially announced BABYMONSTER’s “DRIP” and “CLIK CLAK” as double title tracks for the album DRIP. That is why “every K-pop album has exactly one title track” is not a safe rule.
Title Track vs B-side vs Pre-release
| Term | What it tells you | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Title Track | Main promotional role | Does not have to match the album title |
| B-side | Another track on the release | Can still get stages, videos or later promotion |
| Pre-release | Release timing | Released before the full album/EP |
| Double Title Track | Promotion strategy | Two songs are officially treated as main title tracks |
Role and timing are different questions
This is the easiest way to avoid confusion:
- Title track / B-side: What role does the song have in the release?
- Pre-release: When was the song released?
Because those questions are different, the labels do not always form mutually exclusive boxes.
Common misunderstandings
- “The title track must have the same name as the album.” No.
- “B-side means an unimportant song.” No.
- “A pre-release is always a B-side.” Not necessarily.
- “Every album has one title track.” Double title tracks exist.
FAQ
Is a title track always the first song on the tracklist?
No. Track order and promotional role are separate decisions.
Can a B-side become more popular than the title track?
Yes. A B-side can gain strong public or fan attention later; BABYMONSTER’s “Really Like You” is an official example of a B-side receiving renewed promotion after a chart resurgence.
Is pre-release another word for B-side?
No. Pre-release describes timing. Check the official album information for the song’s promotional role.
How do I know which song is the title track?
Check the artist or company’s official album information, tracklist announcement or release notice rather than guessing from the album name.