ATEEZ scored an unlikely viral hit with this summer’s Bad, which has led to more attention from the Korean public. Up until now, it’s felt like the group has drawn their biggest support from international audiences, but that seems to be evening out. However, international collaborations continue to flourish and K-pop loves nothing more than … Continue reading
Thus far, Rosé has scored the biggest global success of any BLACKPINK member, but it comes with a caveat. Her mega-hit APT. shared billing with collaborator Bruno Mars who turbo-charged its popularity with his sizable commercial appeal. In fact, it seems that “pairing with a popular international artist” seems to be the most successful route … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. As we move through a couple … Continue reading
It can be difficult deciding whether or not to write about a song promoted with a bare-bones, “home video style” music video. Generally, I don’t cover these unless the song itself is completely new or if I really like it and have something to say. DAILY:DIRECTION’s Up is newly released today and despite its self-made … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. This is not a unique or … Continue reading
It’s clear that speaking/rapping over a club beat is not going away anytime soon in K-pop, and while I hope this will eventually transition to singing over a club beat, at least we’re hearing more exciting, upbeat production. From what I can tell, Just For Fun by Minjae, Sumin and Yechan of xikers is little … Continue reading
Last week, IU released a music video for Dear My Crazy Soulmate, the b-side to Unknown Planet (별로부터). Now, it’s time for the main course. Those hoping for a little more experimentation will appreciate this one, as the song forgoes Soulmate‘s gentle sound for a synth-powered instrumental that brings the drama. I’ve always thought IU’s … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Much of K-pop — and especially … Continue reading
Before making their first Korean comeback, rookie group NAZE are debuting in Japan. Spreading promotions across multiple countries has become pretty common in K-pop, but feels like an agency hedging their bets. NAZE’s Korean debut didn’t exactly set the charts (or this blog) on fire and I can’t imagine that Japan will be much more … Continue reading
I don’t usually write about trot singers on this blog. Trot is an entire musical ecosystem that’s mostly separate from what most people imagine K-pop to be, though its sound certainly holds sway over the larger industry. Every once and awhile, a trot singer branches out to more “K-pop” material and these two worlds collide. … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. It always amazes me how a … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. VERIVERY just released an all killer, … Continue reading
It’s become an expectation that HYBE groups will film music videos for at least two tracks on each album and ENHYPEN are already back with a clip for their song Checkmate. This follows the release of Bloody Paradise released last month and offers a more thrilling sound. 2026 is the year where K-pop’s tempo officially … Continue reading
Pentagon are the latest act to celebrate their tenth anniversary this year, and although they’ve lost a few members they’ve brought together seven of the ten original line-up for special single Coward (겁쟁이). Co-composed and produced by member Kino, the track takes the sentiment expected of a career milestone and bolsters it with plenty of … Continue reading
Three years ago, LE SSERAFIM released Perfect Night, a collaboration with the video game series Overwatch that became a massive hit for them. Now, they’ve back with another collaboration — albiet in a very different genre. Made My Night opts for an energetic club sound, further adding to the resurgence of dance music in K-pop. … Continue reading
With so many K-pop acts trying their luck at a global career, it can be hard to determine what “counts” as K-pop anymore. I don’t know that I’ll be writing much about former NCT member Mark Lee’s burgeoning solo career in the future, but this track feels like an important milestone that deserves some kind … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard new original material from IU, but she’s promised a double a-side of sorts, promoting each of her new September tracks with a music video. First up is Dear My Crazy Soulmate, whose title sounds more like a Korean drama than a comeback. And come to think of it, the … Continue reading
MCND are one of those mid-tier groups I sometimes forget about until they make another comeback. They’ve been at it for six years now, which seems incredible. Across that career, most songs have been rated in the “7s” here on the blog, putting them firmly within “middle of the pack” territory. I’d love a big … Continue reading
Though they’ve released their fair share of duds, at its best ALL(H)OURS’ music offers creative production and the kind of addictive hooks that characterized many second-gen hits. I was no fan of their latest pre-release Hop, but the teasers for title track Dang Dang had me anticipating another compelling blend of genres from the guys. … Continue reading
The other day, I asked Google if and when K-pop might return to the sounds popularized in the early 2010s. Its AI seemed pretty intent that pop’s cyclical nature meant we’d see a 2nd/3rd gen resurgence in the next year or so. No one should completely trust AI, but for all our sake I hope … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 