# JO1 US debut EP rollout

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jo1-us-debut-ep-rollout
> Updated: 2026-07-31T06:20:32.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In mid‑July 2026 the Japanese boy band JO1 announced that their first U.S. EP, titled **ANIMAL**, would be released worldwide on 2 October 2026, with the lead single **WHATCHA DOIN** slated to debut on 24 July.

A week later, on 31 July, JO1 published the official music video for **WHATCHA DOIN** on YouTube. The three‑minute video, produced by Grammy‑winning Dem Jointz, combines high‑energy choreography with traditional Japanese visual elements. Its release coincided with a rival J‑pop group’s English‑language video, prompting fans to stream JO1’s video to support the band’s U.S. market entry, underscoring LAPONE Entertainment’s investment in the project.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: JO1 releases 'WHATCHA DOIN' video ahead of US EP ANIMAL

JO1’s “WHATCHA DOIN” MV dropped on 31 July 2026, promoting their U.S. debut EP ANIMAL; produced by Dem Jointz, its YouTube views lag behind rival BE:FIRST’s simultaneous release.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jo1-releases-whatcha-doin-video-ahead-of-us-ep-animal

### 2026-07-14: JO1 to release US debut EP 'ANIMAL' on October 2, with lead single 'WHATCHA DOIN' debuting July 24

JO1’s US EP “ANIMAL” drops Oct 2, with lead track “WHATCHA DOIN” out July 24; the release coincides with their North American tour.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jo1-to-release-us-debut-ep-animal-on-october-2-with-lead-single-whatcha-doin-debuting-july-24

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Cite as: JO1 US debut EP rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jo1-us-debut-ep-rollout