There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Song Review: HITGS – Gulliver!
HITGS debuted as a kiddie group with catchy but cloying material. They’re still quite young, but their work has grown more palatable with time. Today, they’re back with digital single Gulliver, chronicling a crush on a guy with that same name. I wonder how common it is to find a guy named Gulliver in Korea … Continue reading
Song Review: TNX – Die Another Day
I’ve joked before that TNX only give us one single per year, but they’ve broken that streak in 2026. Their last comeback was all the way back in January, but they’ve returned with digital single Die Another Day. The song sees them tackling a new sound and image that blends their rock influences with a … Continue reading
K-Pop’s Bummer Summer: What went so horribly wrong?
Normally, this time of year I’d be publishing a post about my “songs of the summer” for 2026, but the state of K-pop has forced me to write something else instead. Trust me, I didn’t want to! I’ve been writing about K-pop for a decade now and been a devoted fan for years longer than … Continue reading
X:IN: A Career In Song Ratings
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Song Review: SF9 – Without Wings
Along with The Bias List, SF9 are celebrating their tenth anniversary. This is a big deal, as not all acts reach this milestone. And honoring its significance, the guys have released a full album of new material. In 2026, this is also a big deal! Throughout their career, SF9 have never settled on a distinct … Continue reading
Song Review: RIIZE – Sunburst
I’ve got a bone to pick with whoever schedules summer releases. I know summer technically extends most of the way through September, but why on earth wouldn’t you drop a song called “Sunburst” at the beginning of the season when listeners can get the most out of it? To be fair, Sunburst has been available … Continue reading
&TEAM: A Career In Song Ratings
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Song Review: ALL(H)OURS – Hop
Even if I haven’t loved every ALL(H)OURS single, I’ve appreciated the group’s energy and willingness to deliver cheesy, over-the-top hooks. Their songs often have a second-gen appeal wrapped up in modern aesthetics. It’s disappointing, then, that pre-release Hop sounds more like an ATEEZ reject. With the repetitive, monotone Bad currently ruling the charts (for some … Continue reading
CSR: A Career In Song Ratings
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Song Review: Hanbin (Tempest) – No Fear (ft. punchnello)
Tempest’s Hanbin gained attention as a Vietnamese member of a K-pop group, instantly guaranteeing a level of fame in his homeland. This has become more common in recent years, with acts like AHOF stuffed to the brim with foreign members, each able to bring some level of notoriety back to their own countries. The frequency … Continue reading
Song Review: Dino (Seventeen) – Like It
Each song promoted from Dino’s alter-ego Picheolin album received a moderate to low rating on this blog, but it turns out he just released all the worst songs because I actually enjoy the rest of the project. Everyone needs to hear the awesome 80s/90s stadium rock pastiche For Jeong And Love, for starters! Then, nestled … Continue reading
Song Review: NEXZ – Saucin’
I love when a group surprises me, and last year NEXZ made it onto my personal bias list with the brilliant Beat-Boxer. This year, their even-better Mmchk solidified that status and had me looking forward to anything the guys released next. New single Saucin’ was premiered last week at KCON LA and draws heavy inspiration … Continue reading
Song Review: ALPHA DRIVE ONE – Born Dire
Since their post-Boys II Planet debut, ALPHA DRIVE ONE have sold a ton of records and been promoted everywhere MNET can manage. So, why don’t I feel the same surge of interest I usually get from this franchise? For one, the music hasn’t been great (or even good, most of the time). But more than … Continue reading
Song Review: TUIDE – Sun Kiss
HYBE has churned out new idol groups with increasing regularly over the past few years, but the newly-debuted TUIDE are the first act from subsidiary ABD, designed to solely manage girl groups. This is a welcome development, as the corporation has had a difficult time giving their girl groups anything but gimmicky slop lately. Maybe … Continue reading
Song Review: NCT 127 – Blingy
When describing the concept for NCT 127’s big comeback Blingy at KCON the other week, member Jaehyun offered this fascinating word salad: “It’s uh… it’s a blingy album… ’cause we’re on a journey to find something blingy, but we figure out it’s all in our minds… with our fans too.” Okay, then! This confirms to … Continue reading
Song Review: CORTIS – MONEYMONEYMONEY
CORTIS occupy an interesting position in K-pop this year. On one hand, their massive hit REDRED has blossomed into one of the year’s biggest and best earworms. However, every other song has sucked and their overall influence has drained the life out of so many of their peers’ discographies. With each new song they release, … Continue reading
Song Review: Soyeon (i-dle) – Star
i-dle are at a tricky fork in their career where their music no longer becomes an instant chart sensation yet they retain a large enough fan base to keep their career chugging along. At this point, artists can either cater directly to that fanbase or continue trying to score a more mainstream hit even if … Continue reading
NU’EST: A Career In Song Ratings
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from August 16 – 22
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. But each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And even more than that, I’ll attempt to rank them from my least-to-most-liked. I invite you to share … Continue reading