There are moments in a group’s career that feel like a breath of fresh air —a natural yet thrilling evolution that reminds us exactly why we fell in love with them in the first place. This is precisely what Ren Nagase and Kaito Takahashi, the members of King & Prince, are experiencing right now. After a phenomenal run with their latest album ‘STARRING‘ released last December —wich not only held the number one spot on the Billboard JAPAN “HOT ALBUMS” chart for three consecutive weeks, but also ranked as the third biggest album of the entire first half of 2026— the duo shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Back on May 23, during their 8th debut anniversary celebrations, the duo teased a major milestone: they would be releasing their very first EP. However, further details had been kept under lock and key.
Until now.
Breaking their silence during an intimate livestream on their official Instagram, Ren and Kaito finally shared the entire creative universe behind the “So Honey” EP. Set to hit shelves on September 2, this production is already shaping up to be the definitive soundtrack for the latter half of the year.
A Two-Flavored Concept: “BITTER or SWEET”
If something defines King & Prince‘s music in this mature stage of their career, it is their ability to explore both the light and shadow of human emotions. “So Honey” is built upon a beautiful, deeply relatable contradiction. The core concept of the project, titled “BITTER or SWEET”, is drawn directly from the lyrical themes of the title track. The song revolves around captivating, echoing lines such as “Do you love me? Do you hate me?” and “Is it bitter? Is it sweet?“
Using these dualities as a foundation, the EP plays out as a musical journey that weaves together melancholic, mature, and complex melodies —the BITTER side— with bright, romantic, and uplifting tracks —the SWEET side. It represents a multi-faceted collection of love stories tailored to who King & Prince are today. Ren and Kaito have moved past idealized romance to sing about love from a place of vulnerability and real-world connection.
“So Honey” is already poised to become a new classic in their discography. It is a hearfelt love song that captures the innocence of a budding romance, the delicate mind games of attraction, and the universal hope for a happy ending. Sonically, the duo opts for an up-tempo, light, summer-infused pop rhythm that feels incredibly refreshing. Yet, beneath its bright surface lies a dramatic arrangement and an emotional melody designed to strike a chord deep within listeners. Tiaras and all their fans can already catch a glimpse of this new era through a special teaser video uploaded to King & Prince‘s official YouTube channel, offering a sweet taste of what is to come.
Warm-Toned Maturity: A Brand New Visual Identity
Alongside the musical reveals, King & Prince unveiled a stunning new promotional visual that showcases a dramatic shift in their aesthetic. The new concept photo embraces a world of soft, warm tones that wraps the artists in a cozy, intimate atmosphere while maintaining a sophisticated, formal elegance. Moving away from flashy trends, the duo focuses on classic style. This is reflected beautifully in their solo shots, such as Ren looking effortlessly chic in textured beige sheets, and Kaito exuding a natural, welcoming warmth. The imagery speaks volumes about their current state as artists: confident, serene, and deeply connected.
To mark their first-ever EP, the physical release has been meticulously planned to offer fans a premium collectible experience. “So Honey” EP will be available in four different editions, ensuring there is a perfect option for every kind of collector. While all versions will feature six-track list (anchored by “So Honey“), the physical bonuses differ across versions:
- Limited Edition A: Comes with a bonus collectible photo card.
- Limited Edition B: Includes a sleek, clear poster.
- Limited Edition LIVE: Packaged with a special sticker sheet.
- Regular Edition (First Press): A true collector’s item featuring a set of three trading cards.
For the ultimate fans, ordering all four versions simultaneously rewards them with a limited-edition original pin badge. Furthermore, each individual edition contains a unique trading card inside the jacket and an exclusive serial number that grants access to special, limited-time online video content.
While the full tracklist and specific production details will be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks, the excitement within the fandom is undeniable. King & Prince have proven that instead of resting on the laurels of their past record-breaking hits, the possess the artistic courage to constantly reinvent themselves. With “So Honey” EP, Ren and Kaito invite us to join them at the table to taste love in all its variations: sometimes sweet as honey, sometimes bitter as life, but always unforgettable.
For fans overseas, you can get your “So Honey” EP copy through CD Japan!
Limited Edition A (DVD / Blu-ray), Limited Edition B (DVD/Blu-ray), Limited LIVE Edition (DVD/Blu-ray) Regular Edition, Bundled Set of 4 Editions (DVD / Blu-ray).
Follow King & Prince for more updates!
STARRING special accounts!
MORE KING & PRINCE ON DUMPLING BOX!
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.